Shillong, Sep 9 – Meghalaya TMC leader and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Mukul Sangma, on Monday expressed his intention to demand a meeting of the State Security Commission. while criticizing the government for providing unnecessary security to political appointees, Dr Sangma described it as a misuse of police resources and public funds, questioning the rationale behind these decisions.
Dr. Sangma raised concerns over political appointees receiving various perks and facilities, particularly questioning the extensive security cover provided to them. “I will be demanding a State Security Commission meeting to take cognizance of the unnecessary wastage of money from the public exchequer by the misuse of police authorities,” The Leader Of Opposition stated.
“You see how many political appointees are receiving all kinds of so-called security covers. If we look at the category of protectees, the police department is providing all these facilities. What is the category of the protectee? Whose life is under threat? Tell me which of these political appointees have taken the insurgency and militancy and other issues head on to bring peace that they are life is so threatened?,” he asked, challenging the rationale behind these measures.
The Leader of Opposition further criticized the ease with which security is being granted, adding, “If somebody’s life is threatened based on which the level of protection to be given by the police for that indicator protectee has to be worked out. Now you will ring up to the SP and tell give security to this particular gentleman? This is how you want to spend money from the scares public exchequer? No.”
Promising to hold officials accountable, he vowed to ensure that all unnecessary security arrangements are thoroughly reviewed. “We will demand proper due diligence and accountability. If protection has been unnecessarily given, along with police vehicles and personnel just for show, we will demand a refund for every rupee spent. The officers responsible will have to pay it back,” Dr. Sangma asserted.
He emphasized that public resources should not be misused for political gain, adding, “Any officer who deviates from ethical responsibility to please political bosses will be held accountable. Every single paisa from the public exchequer will be accounted for.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, Dr. Sangma claimed that he maintained strict oversight on such practices. “Did I allowed them to misuse? How many chief ministers advisors are there? Can you count? How many did I have? How many of the political appointees are escorted by police pilot or police escort and creating nuisance?”
Asked if such political appointees are entitled to such facility, the former CM said, “That’s why I am asking. The category of protectee is determined by virtue of the perception of threat, that’s why I am saying perception of threat. Does this Daniel (OSD) has perception of threat? Yes, the police has to informed. The public has to ask does he have the perception of threat, so also many others.”
Addressing the issue of nepotism, Dr. Sangma also used the example of Agatha Sangma’s appointment, saying, “This is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader pattern of nepotism and favoritism within the government’s appointments.”
Dr. Sangma stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in the utilization of public resources. He urged the State Security Commission to take cognizance of these matters and initiate appropriate actions. “We cannot overlook these allegations,” he said.
“I always say that there is a price to be paid in our even democratic system because our given democratic system revolves around the political system where you have political parties but what I am saying is that, do not, do not misuse it. Do it as it is necessary for the sustainability of democracy but do not do up to that extend that it becomes a nuisance, it becomes an eyesore to the common man, not for me because people are coming and telling, that’s why I know,” he added.