SHILLONG:
Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, president of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP), on February 16, slammed the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) for appointing R Chandranathan, the former Director-General of Police (DGP), as a security advisor to the government.
Highlighting that the ex-DGP’s appointment came at a time when teachers and other employees in the state haven’t been paid their salaries for months, he said, “The state government is on an appointment spree when Meghalaya is facing an acute financial crunch and unable to meet the mandated expenditure and expenses.”
Referring to the appointment as “perhaps, a quid pro quo”, the former legislator of Nongkrem constituency, asked, “What are his (Chandranathan) contributions to the state that the government is so indebted to him or is he a tool to benefit the people in power?”
Basaiawmoit reiterated that the decision is against the interest of serving officers.
He also lashed out at the regional partners of the MDA for maintaining their silence on the matter. “They used to make tall claims about safeguarding the interest of the people of Meghalaya. Their silence now speaks volumes,” he added.
Earlier on February 3, DP Wahlang, the additional Chief Secretary in-charge Home (Police) department had issued a notification stating that the duties of the security advisor are to “coordinate with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other central and intelligence agencies, including VIP security in other parts of the country, except Meghalaya”.
Hopeful that people of the state will give a befitting reply to those in power, he reminded the people that “a sour fruit can never become sweet”.
“Just look at the wasteful expenditure of the present government. We do not expect the present ruling government to effect any change. One day, people will challenge those who think they can never be questioned,” Basaiawmoit said.
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