Mizoram: Congress accuses ZPM govt of “wasting” public money

Guwahati: The Opposition Congress on Wednesday slammed the Lalduhoma-led Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government in Mizoram for allegedly “wasting” public money in unnecessary expenditures. 

Addressing a press conference in state capital Aizawl, the grand old party’s youth wing president Laltawnliana said the ruling party is not keeping its promises of implementing austerity measures to improve the state’s financial status. 

He said that after assuming power in December last year, Chief Minister Lalduhoma had declared the fiscal 2024-25 as ‘year of consolidation’ to stabilise the state’s financial condition. 

“The ZPM had promised to cut down the government entitlements, including vehicles to the chief minister, his cabinet colleagues and MLAs, and publicly announced that there would be no purchase of new cars for the ministers and MLAs,” he said.

The youth leader said that despite the promises made by the party of adopting cost-cutting measures, it is spending money on unnecessary things.

Also Read: Assam investment scam: Sumi Borah, Tarkik Borah surrender in Dibrugarh

“Despite its promise to implement austerity measures, the government is wasting public money in several ways. Even after having five government vehicles for his personal use, the chief minister has taken possession of vehicles of other officials,” he added.

He said that three new luxury cars worth Rs 51 lakh were recently purchased that were meant to be used as the chief minister’s escort vehicles.

“An equal amount of money was wasted in renovating the Assembly Speaker’s official quarter and purchase of a vehicle for his use,” he said.  

Laltawnliana further alleged that at least 10 ministers, including Home Minister K. Sapdanga, did not take possession of the entitled government accommodations and wasted over Rs one crore in renovating their private properties.