MDA coalition partners to wait for inquiry report into MeECL ‘scams’
Coalition partners of the National People’s Party-led MDA government have decided to wait for the report of the Independent Inquiry Committee into the alleged scams in the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).
The decision was taken after a meeting of the MDA chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday.
Addressing media persons, the Chief Minister said leaders of the coalition partners have expressed that they would wait for the report of the independent inquiry committee.
When asked if demand to relieve the Power Minister James K Sangma from his portfolio was made during the meeting, Conrad Sangma however said, “After they heard all the clarification, a lot of them understood what the situation is and they all agreed that it is a matter that will have to be decided by the CM so they are not pressing it in a political way or anything like that.”
The Chief Minister informed that issues related to the visit of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, boundary dispute with Assam, Sixth Schedule, bifurcation of the joint cadre and others were also discussed during the meeting adding a lot of good suggestions were given.
Earlier after the meeting, the leaders of different political parties said that they have not demanded the removal of the incumbent power minister as they have decided to wait for the report of the independent inquiry.
BJP state president Ernest Mawrie said that the Chief Minister had clarified on the allegations including the alleged scam in the implementation of the Saubhagya Scheme and that the state government had already instituted an independent inquiry into the matter.
“So we will wait for the report of the inquiry which will be submitted within a period of three months,” Mawrie said while adding “We have not made any demand on that (removal of James K Sangma) as that is the prerogative of the Chief Minister.”
Echoing similar views, NCP state president Saleng A Sangma said, “You cannot just pin point only at man…you know one minister cannot just eat the money come on it will be all the officers who will be involved you get my point – Last time you have seen the education scam, few officers were suspended so in that way it comes to light.”
“Right now what I want is that not only in this Saubhagya scheme but any failed department should come under this kind of inquiry,” he asserted.
HSPDP president KP Pangniang said, “…since the government had already put in place an inquiry, everything will be looked into regarding the irregularities, the mismanagement – the committee will give us all information but there was no discussion to remove or change the portfolio of James K Sangma.”
On the other hand, NPP state president WR Kharlukhi slammed the opposition Congress for demanding the removal of the power minister. “It is the role of the Congress…they would want to even remove the government if they can, that is what the Congress would like the most,” he said.
Kharlukhi, who is also Rajya Sabha MP, also stressed on the need to reopen the tourism sector for the interest of the people and the state.
The MP also admitted that it is high time to resolve the long pending boundary dispute with Assam and said, “It should have been resolved since the time when Meghalaya got its statehood.”
PDF president Banteidor Lyngdoh further informed that the coalition partners have also requested the need to hold the MDA meeting once in a month to ensure smooth functioning of the government.
Independent MLA and Chairman of the State Planning Board Lambor Malngiang however said all members have also requested that whoever is found guilty of corruption should be punished. “We are waiting for the report of the inquiry and we have discussed with the CM that no one should be spared if found guilty,” he added.
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