MLA Scheme Implementation Shullai denies any wrongdoing

From Staff Correspondent

Shillong, Oct 26: South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai has termed allegations of misappropriation of funds during implementation of the MLA scheme as “baseless, fabricated and politically motivated”.

Banri Kupar Wahlang had accused the tiolist Congress Party (NCP) MLA of misusing the schemes for his own political gains.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, the South Shillong MLA said “I am not surprised by the allegations because it is the same person who had raised similar issues in a different guise prior to the last Assembly elections too.”

“People like Banri Kupar Wahlang and his associates could not reconcile with the type of benefit the poor and the downtrodden are reaping from the initiatives taken by me. And hence they are indulging in such false accusations,” stated Shullai, adding that all utilization certificates (UCs), vouchers and receipts will be put in public domain by November.

Shullai called Wahlang and his supporters a “political contractual agency” aiming to “manufacture news” to defame his image.

While questions are already being raised in certain quarters on the way the South Shillong MLA decided on the schemes, there is more than what meets the eye.

Asked on this, the former Deputy Speaker said everything will come out into the open. “My office bearers and every single beneficiary will authenticate to what I’m saying,” he said even as he questioned why his political opponents tend to take on him and rake up issues just before the elections.

However, in response to certain questions asked by the reporters, Shullai appeared unconvincing, especially on the issue relating to creating of community assets. For instance, he tried to justify providing dinner sets by stating that it is part of his endeavour to provide families with the right leverages.