Whatever corruption allegations there are against the National People’s Party (NPP) cannot taint its ally the United Democratic Party (UDP) by association, the latter’s senior leader Jemino Mawthoh said today.
Recently Congress leader and Rangsakona MLA Zenith Sangma said that the regional parties should ditch the NPP and bring down the state government in order to disassociate themselves from “rampant corruption”. He also said, however, that these same parties are reluctant to do so because they are awarded a share of ill-gotten gains.
“If there are allegations against the NPP, which is a major partner in the MDA (Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government), it is unacceptable to say that the UDP is also involved in the act,” Mawthoh told some reporters.
Stating that if one member of a family is a culprit then the whole family cannot be labeled guilty, he said, “I think that for any illegalities or corruption in any department investigation by the Lokayukta, CBI, local audit, etc, should be carried out and truth revealed.”
He maintained that the people making such allegations should come forward with solid evidence and the UDP will also support them if they can do so.
“UDP ministers including (Home Minister) Lahkmen Rymbui and (Social Welfare Minister) Kyrmen Shylla have also, on several occasions, clearly stated that no one will be spared if they are proven to be involved in any corrupt activities and illegalities, no matter what political connections they have,” Mawthoh said.
Stating that it is unacceptable to say that the UDP is also enjoying its share of the illegalities, he said, “The UDP was not formed to earn money but to bring in clean politics and it will not remain silent of any corruption activities or illegalities at any level or department. Allegations are always there, whether it is against the present or past governments, but any allegations need to be probed and let the law take its course.”
