Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 10
The Congress-led UPA Government today charged the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN Government of gross misuse of central funds meant for development and employment generation. The state was criticized for diverting them for party functionaries and said the centre would utilize its machineries to ensure that the schemes are utilized properly.
Addressing newspersons at the private residence of NPCC president K.V Pusa this morning, AICC General Secretary Narayanasami, who is also Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs, said the UPA Government has received numerous complaints. Leaders and legislators have complained of gross misuse and diversion of central funds by the DAN government, particularly funds meant for SSA, the health sector, drinking water, electricity in villages among others. He also accused the DAN government of totally misusing the NREGA scheme.
He said the government at the centre is pouring in huge funds for development purposes but these have not produced the desired results and that the state government is diverting the funds ‘towards’ party functionaries. Also, defending the Congress’ humiliating defeat in the recent Lok Sabha elections in the state, Narayanasami said it was due to large-scale booth capturing, misuse of official machinery and poll-rigging. The minister of State for Planning, who arrived at capital town Kohima from Itanagar this morning, said the main purpose of his visit was to streamline the party’s organisation, to strengthen the party at the grass-root level and to give moral boost to the party’s functionaries.
Asked on whether the AICC is considering change of leadership of the Nagaland Congress, he said the final decision rests on AICC President Sonia Gandhi. Later in the day, the Congress leader met party leaders, held a meeting with the Congress Legislature Party and senior party workers. Narayanasami would be staying at the Raj Bhavan for the night and proceed to Dimapur tomorrow morning.
.jpg)
