The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has joined fellow opposition party the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the serious allegations involving Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and the outlawed outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
On Sunday, the HNLC claimed that Dhar had in the past given money to the militant group but does not do so now. Prior to the 2018 state election Dhar was a member of the Congress but since joined the National People’s Party (NPP).
Calling for Dhar’s immediate resignation to ensure transparency and prevent political interference, the Congress Party has categorically denied any involvement or prior knowledge of the alleged activities. The party also accused Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh of engaging in “textbook deflection tactics” by attempting to drag the MPCC into the controversy.
Yesterday, Lyngdoh, when asked by reporters about the matter, directed the media to the Congress as the allegations pertained to the time when Dhar was still a Congressman.
Speaking to journalists today, MPCC secretary Manuel Badwar stated, “We are vehemently saying that the attempt of the spokesperson to drag MPCC into this controversy surrounding the Deputy Chief Minister’s alleged financial links with the banned HNLC is not only misleading but a deliberate political deflection tactic.”
Badwar emphasised that if the allegations are true, then Dhar acted independently, without any consultation or consent of the party. “This is a serious allegation – anti-national in nature – and we believe it warrants urgent action. We demand that Dhar step down from his ministerial position and cooperate fully with the investigation,” he said.
“We as a party will never tolerate any illegal or anti-national activity. The Congress has never been involved and will never be involved in such actions. Any attempt to link the party to these accusations is an effort to divert attention from the core issue,” Badwar asserted.
