Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma on Friday warned that he may write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek action against the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) for allegedly using illegal funds from drug trafficking and coal mining.
Responding to a challenge from Deputy Chief Minister and NPP State President Prestone Tynsong, who had dared the opposition TMC to file an FIR regarding the allegations, Mukul Sangma said that it was his duty to hold both NPP and Congress accountable for the serious accusations.
“If they are not responsible, I have to write to the Prime Minister that these are the allegations, and please take cognizance and take action. Yes, I will wait and see if they don’t act. Then, that is the ultimate course of action, which I consider as my responsibility,” Sangma stated.
The opposition leader highlighted three specific allegations made by the Congress against the NPP: illegal money from drug trafficking, illegal coal mining, and manipulation of contract works. He emphasized that while the issue is between the Congress and NPP, the NPP must prove these allegations false.
“They have to prove that the allegations coming from the president of the MPCC [Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee], Vincent H Pala, are wrong. They have to confront him and prove themselves innocent. That’s their job,” Sangma asserted.
Addressing the issue of illegal coal mining, Sangma pointed out that it is not merely a state matter. “Any violation of law under the section 21 of MMDR Act, 1957 is a cognizable offence. So, who is going to act upon this mandate of law? These things should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric; we take it seriously.”
On the issue of drug-related allegations, Sangma warned of the seriousness of the matter. “You are witness to the number of news items about huge quantities of drugs being seized across the Northeast. The value is astronomical, not just Rs 1-2 crores, but Rs 100-400 crores. This means a big cartel is operating, and if such a cartel is in the Northeast, this criminality is not confined there. The Government of India must take cognizance of these huge allegations.”
Sangma also stated that the allegations cannot simply be ignored and that those who make such claims must follow through. “If he has come up with an allegation, he also should proceed further,” he concluded.