Rymbui says Congress frustrated as they cannot live without power

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 31, 2021

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday said that the United Democratic Party will never politicize any department of the government for its own benefit.

Speaking to media persons, Rymbui said that he was very sorry to hear that the MPCC president, who as soon as taking over the position, has fired at the UDP by making such allegations.

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Vincent H Pala had alleged that the UDP was misusing the home portfolio by indulging in illegal collection along the national highways of the state.

“The UDP will never politicize any department or anything for the benefit of our party or individual…the officers should act according to the law and within the preamble of the law,” he stated.

Rymbui further termed the allegation to be only the frustration of the Congress because they are out of power and that they cannot live without power.

“This is sheer frustration,” he said.

Alleging that there is rumbling within the opposition party, the UDP leader however said, “…you don’t know from the Congress now 1 it may become 2 or 3 in due course of time.”

Pala also slammed the UDP for surrendering the department in the midst of a problem. He had stated that he doesn’t know who the home minister is, whether the chief minister or Lahkmen Rymbui.

Rymbui had submitted a letter to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma requesting that he be relieved from the home portfolio following the law and order situation arising due to the alleged killing of a former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew on August 13. 

When asked, Rymbui said that he is still the home minister so long as the Chief Minister is yet to accept his letter.

“It is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to entrust any portfolio to his council of ministers.

So I have expressed my desire and the chief minister till date has not (taken any decision) as the matter is under examination. The CM is still examining my letter so I still continue to look after the department,” he stated.

“The Congress have been in power in the country and the state for many years and they know what is the procedures of appointing the minister and what is the role of a minister so they have to go according to principles of nominating of the minister and what is the role to perform by the minister, I don’t have to add more on that,” he added.

His statement also came in the wake of the UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh claiming that Rymbui was no longer the home minister of the state.