Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday asserted that he would step down from office if credible evidence proves his involvement in alleged financial irregularities linked to the ongoing Lengpui land deal row.
Rejecting accusations that he received kickbacks, Lalduhoma challenged his political opponents to substantiate their claims. “If any proof establishes my role in this matter, I will consider myself unfit to continue as Chief Minister and will resign immediately,” he said.
The allegations were levelled on February 13 by Congress leader and former minister John Rotluangliana, who accused the Chief Minister of benefiting from the alleged scam. Addressing party workers at Congress Bhavan, Rotluangliana claimed that Lalduhoma was meant to receive Rs 14 crore as commission and had already obtained Rs 10 crore. He further alleged that the payment was sought in gold.
In a televised interview with a local channel, Lalduhoma dismissed the charges as baseless and said they had harmed both his personal credibility and the image of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
Turning the tables on the opposition, he alleged that the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government led by former Chief Minister Zoramthanga had tried to facilitate the permanent sale of land near Lengpui airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF) through a ‘direct purchase’ arrangement.
He maintained that his administration was only acting as a mediator between the landowner and the prospective buyer and clarified that the process involves a standard lease agreement rather than an outright sale. Lalduhoma added that the matter would be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after which the facts would be made public.
The disputed land is situated near Lengpui, about 32 kilometres from Aizawl, and close to the state’s only airport. The IAF has acquired the site to establish a base for fighter aircraft and refuelling facilities. The deal has triggered a political storm in the state, with both the MNF and the Congress demanding a CBI inquiry and filing separate complaints.
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