Guv seeks documentary proof on “scams”

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, MAR 2: The United Democratic Party (UDP) today took the allegations against the ruling PDF-led executive committee of the KHADC‎ to Raj Bhavan.

On his part, Meghalaya Governor Banwarilal Purohit sought “documentary proof” on the allegations, which were listed in a petition given to him by a UDP delegation led by senior working president BM Lanong and others.

‎In the petition, the UDP sought Purohit’s immediate intervention into the alleged scams in the KHADC including the alleged illegal transfer of Rs 2 crore to private bank accounts.

The delegation to the Governor came after KHADC chief PN Syiem “failed” to provide satisfactory replies in relation to the nine points raised by the party.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lanong said, “He (Governor) wants us to give some more documentary proofs on the nine points raised by the party against the present executive committee (EC).”

The UDP leader said that the party would soon submit whatever documents available with it to strengthen the charges levelled against the executive committee.

“The Governor has assured us that he would study the petition and take necessary action,” Lanong said.

‎To a query, Lanong said that the failure of the KHADC CEM to come clean on the issues raised had compelled the party to petition the Governor.

“We have no other alternative but to come to the governor who is the constitutional head for his intervention,” he said while slamming Syiem for not keeping his word despite having assured that he would submit his replies on February 16.

Further, the UDP leader said that today’s meeting with the Governor was to discount the charges made by the CEM that the party was having a close link with the opposition Congress in the KHADC.

“He (Syiem) should have clarified the reasons why these scams have been committed and instead he is now becoming shaky because of our petition and making unfounded charges against the UDP,”‎ Lanong said.‎

During the recent session of the council, there had been a heated debate on the illegal transfer of Rs 2 crore of professional tax to private bank accounts. The council had resolved to refer the matter to a House Committee.‎

Reacting to a query, Lanong reiterated the party’s stand that if the executive committee led by Syiem was found to be guilty in the scam, as per the findings of the House Committee, it would not hesitate to withdraw from the PDF.

“We have already maintained that we will not hesitate to withdraw our support from the present alliance. But for now, it is too early to withdraw support since we are awaiting the report of the House Committee,” he said.