Opposition Congress has intensified its campaign for dismissal of education minister Nyeiwang Konyak who was caught up in alleged financial irregularities in his department.
A delegation of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) led by leader of opposition Tokheho Yepthomi Saturday called on the state governor Nikhil Kumar and submitted a representation requesting the governor to sanction for prosecution of Nyeiwang Konyak. They cautioned, otherwise, the opposition would be compelled to intensify its protest further in the coming days.
Emerging from the Raj Bhavan, the congress delegates told this correspondent that governor affirmed that he had already referred the matter to the state government twice and that he was waiting for a reply.
Earlier on April 18, the state Congress had staged a dharna outside the Raj Bhavan for removal of education minister, who was allegedly caught red-handed in misappropriation of funds over Rs.50 lakhs from the department.
The congressmen stated the party was dismayed at the delay in delivery of justice despite lapse of three months.
While reiterating their demand for immediate removal of the incumbent education minister from the ministry, the NPCC representation stated the party was obliged to infer the constitutional provision and related Supreme Court ruling to press upon the authority of the governor for favorable and prompt action deemed fit.
NPCC is of the view that the governor could 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 considered relevant to refer to Article 163 (2) of the Constitution wherein the governor acting in his discretion or exercising independent judgment is not alien to the constitution, the PCC stated.
The Congress maintained that the “crime” committed by the minister manifested prima facie offence of misuse of his position by illegally embezzling huge amount, which was submitted earlier to the governor and established through records. They alleged the minister himself admitted of the “fact on the floor of the House.”
Congress leaders stated they were convinced that there was no other option left to protect the minister except to grant sanction U/S 179 CrPC and put him under investigation and proceed with the trail. Otherwise, the opposition opined that it would tantamount to defying the rule of law and democracy would be put to stake.
There were also several charges against Nyeiwang Konyak, mostly on financial irregularities in the education department, besides the alleged involvement in nepotism and bogus appointment of teachers.
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio had earlier defended Konyak, asserting the latter was a “most efficient minister” in his ministry.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders disclosed that they would vigorously pursue corruption committed by the ruling DAN government, stating “corruption has reached its zenith”.
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