Newmai News Network
Aizawl | July 28
The Congress party in Mizoram accused the Mizo National Front (MNF) government headed by Zoramthanga of "handcuffing ministers except those favoured by the Chief Minister."
Addressing reporters at a press conference here on Saturday, leaders of Congress' media department said that ministers were allotted good portfolios when the MNF came to power in December last year.
"Though the move was highly appreciable and welcomed by the general public, the recently state's annual budget revealed that many ministers will be handcuffed," they said. They also alleged that no actual allocation was made for major works except salaries and office maintenance. "This is a clear attempt to handcuff ministers," the Congress leaders said.
They also alleged that Rs 1,220 crore, which is 11.2 per cent of the total budget was allocated as 'United Fund' for major works, investments, loans and advances, which will be distributed to ministers, whom the Chief Minister favours. They further alleged that Chief Minister Zoramthanga was trying to favour only those ministers, who were in good terms with him.
Alleging that Sports minister Robert Romawia Royte was accorded undue favour by the Chief Minister, the Congress leaders said that Rs 11 crore was allotted to the ministers for his departments- Sports and Tourism.
They also blamed Royte for allegedly "curving" his name and ignoring Deputy Chief Minister Tawluia over the proposed elevated football ground.
