SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) in Meghalaya faces intense criticism from opposition parties following the seizure of Rs 1 crore cash from a vehicle trailing Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s convoy in Arunachal Pradesh’ Longding.
The Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) have raised concerns over the incident, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Banphiralang Basaiawmoit, Vice President of Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC), along with other youth Congress leaders, expressed their dismay during a press conference on Friday.
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They announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India regarding the incident.
Reportedly, the vehicle in question belonged to a senior official of Badri Rai company, a prominent entity engaged in various projects across Meghalaya, including the construction of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building.
Basaiawmoit urged the public to draw connections, highlighting that the same construction firm involved in projects like the Assembly building and PA Sangma Stadium in Meghalaya is under scrutiny for substandard work.
“While the concerned party has distanced itself from the vehicle, we are confident that connecting the dots will reveal the truth,” Basaiawmoit told a local daily.
Senior Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Sangma echoed the demand for transparency, stressing the need for a fair investigation.
“It is evident that the vehicle was tailing the convoy to evade standard checks. All vehicles, including convoys, should undergo thorough scrutiny,” Sangma was quoted as saying by a Shillong-based daily.
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He further urged swift legal action to prevent tampering with evidence.
Meanwhile, the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) opted to leave the decision regarding the NPP’s fate in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to the electorate in Meghalaya.
VPP spokesperson Dr Batskhem Myrboh addressed reporters on Friday, saying, “Let the people connect the dots and judge. The people of Meghalaya are intelligent, and they don’t need extensive explanations. We trust their judgment, and they will deliver their verdict on April 19.”
Earlier on April 5, in a statement, the NPP had dismissed reports of any connection with the cash seizure.
The Chief Minister Sangma-led party clarified that the vehicle in question was not part of their convoy, a fact, they claimed is “officially certified” by the Longding area Superintendent of Police.
