Second from right- Leader of Congress Legislature Party (CLP)Tokheho Yepthomi with members of PCC at his official residence after meeting Governor Nikhil Kumar at Raj Bhavan.
Kohima, August 13 (MExN): The Opposition Congress has intensified its campaign for dismissal of Education Minister Nyeiwang Konyak who was caught up in financial irregularities in his department.
The delegation of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) led by Leader of the Opposition, Tokheho Yepthomi today called on Governor Nikhil Kumar and submitted a representation requesting the Governor to grant sanction for prosecution of Konyak or they would be compelled to intensify its protest further in the coming days.
Coming out of the Raj Bhavan Congress delegation told this correspondent that Governor told them that he had already referred the matter to the state government twice and that he is waiting for reply.
The opposition had earlier on April 18 staged a dharna outside the Raj Bhavan for removal of education minister who was allegedly caught red-handed in misappropriation of over Rs. 50 lakhs from his department. The Congress said it is dismayed at the delay in delivering justice despite lapse of three months. While reiterating “our unwavering demand for his immediate removal from the ministry the NPCC is oblige to infer that the under given constitutional provision and supreme court ruling to impress your authority for favourable and prompt action deemed fit” the representation stated.
The PCC is of the view that Governor can accord sanction for prosecution of an erring minister basing on substantial findings on record for commission of any offence, embezzlement of public funds under the Prevention of Corruption Act. It is considered pertinent to refer here to Article 163 (2) of the Constitution whereby it is held that the Governor acting in his discretion or exercising independent judgment is not alien to the constitution the PCC stated. The Congress said the current circumstances the crime committed by the minister manifests prima facie offence of misuse of his position by illegally embezzling huge amount which was submitted earlier to the Governor and which is established through records and also in his admission of the fact on the floor of the House.
The Congress leaders said they were convinced that there is no other option left to protect the minister except to grant sanction U/S 179 CrPC and put him under investigation and proceed with his trail. Else it would tantamount to defying the rule of law and democracy will be put to stake the congress maintained. There were also several charges against Konyak, mostly on financial irregularities in the education department, apart from alleged indulging in nepotism and bogus appointment of teachers. Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio had defended his minister terming Konyak as most efficient minister in his ministry.
Congress leaders also disclosed that they would vigorously pursue with corruption committed by the ruling democratic alliance of Nagaland (DAN) stating that corruption has reached its zenith. We will not spare this corrupt government a senior congress leader said. He said corruption in Nagaland has reached all time high and that people have to be rescued.
The delegation of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) led by Leader of the Opposition, Tokheho Yepthomi today called on Governor Nikhil Kumar and submitted a representation requesting the Governor to grant sanction for prosecution of Konyak or they would be compelled to intensify its protest further in the coming days.
Coming out of the Raj Bhavan Congress delegation told this correspondent that Governor told them that he had already referred the matter to the state government twice and that he is waiting for reply.
The opposition had earlier on April 18 staged a dharna outside the Raj Bhavan for removal of education minister who was allegedly caught red-handed in misappropriation of over Rs. 50 lakhs from his department. The Congress said it is dismayed at the delay in delivering justice despite lapse of three months. While reiterating “our unwavering demand for his immediate removal from the ministry the NPCC is oblige to infer that the under given constitutional provision and supreme court ruling to impress your authority for favourable and prompt action deemed fit” the representation stated.
The PCC is of the view that Governor can accord sanction for prosecution of an erring minister basing on substantial findings on record for commission of any offence, embezzlement of public funds under the Prevention of Corruption Act. It is considered pertinent to refer here to Article 163 (2) of the Constitution whereby it is held that the Governor acting in his discretion or exercising independent judgment is not alien to the constitution the PCC stated. The Congress said the current circumstances the crime committed by the minister manifests prima facie offence of misuse of his position by illegally embezzling huge amount which was submitted earlier to the Governor and which is established through records and also in his admission of the fact on the floor of the House.
The Congress leaders said they were convinced that there is no other option left to protect the minister except to grant sanction U/S 179 CrPC and put him under investigation and proceed with his trail. Else it would tantamount to defying the rule of law and democracy will be put to stake the congress maintained. There were also several charges against Konyak, mostly on financial irregularities in the education department, apart from alleged indulging in nepotism and bogus appointment of teachers. Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio had defended his minister terming Konyak as most efficient minister in his ministry.
Congress leaders also disclosed that they would vigorously pursue with corruption committed by the ruling democratic alliance of Nagaland (DAN) stating that corruption has reached its zenith. We will not spare this corrupt government a senior congress leader said. He said corruption in Nagaland has reached all time high and that people have to be rescued.
