IMPHAL, November 8: Once the BJP raises an issue, we do not forget it easily, Union Minister of State Commerce and Industries (Independent Charge) Corporate Affairs and Finance Nirmala Sitharaman claimed, referring to the Loktak Lake Scam today.
Investigation on the scam has already been initiated and it is the BJP’s promise to punish all those involved in the scam involving more than Rs 224 crore, said the union minister who is here to campaign for the BJP candidates.
The Central Vigilance Commission has already started collecting evidence of the scam, she added.
She was speaking to media persons before addressing a public meeting at the Konthonghanbi Lairenbi Hall, Thangmeiband as part of an election campaign for the Thangmeiband bye election.
She told the media persons that corruption is a big problem especially in Manipur.
The present Manipur government and corruption go hand in hand. The extent of corruption in the State is unbelievable, she said.
The Loktak Lake Scam was raised not to be forgotten, and we will certainly ensure that all those involved in it are given exemplary punishment, she said, adding that the Centre is conducting an investigation on it.
The Congress signifies corruption and the Congress in Manipur has the distinction of running ahead of others in the corruption race, the Union Minister said.
She further charged that all the Central sanctioned funds are being handed over to the Manipur Development Society instead of handing it to the PWD.
It is also learnt that MDS is run by close family relatives of the Chief Minister and together they are enjoying the funds, she added.
She asked if the public think the Chief Minister is doing all this for the welfare of Manipur.
This is not for the welfare of the public but only for his family, she answered herself.
The State government is diverting all funds allocated through the MDS, she continued.
Meanwhile, responding to queries on the Peace Accord which is creating apprehensions among the people of Manipur, the Union Minister said the Centre understand the issue.
However, all concerned Chief Ministers have been informed and the Centre will never do anything without informing the concerned States, she said.
She said there is no need for the people to be apprehensive of any initiative of the government.
The concerned Chief Ministers of the region should come forward and explain the same to the public in the interest of the people, she said.
There is nothing in the Peace Accord signed between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre which will hurt the interest of the people, Nirmala said.
Touching upon other issues, the Union Minister said the Centre wanted to set up a Border Haat at Moreh but the State government is yet to allot the required land.
The setting up of the haat will help the people improve their income, she said.
The State government has never tried to work together with the Centre, she claimed.
For three terms, the Congress has ruled, however, only the relatives of the Chief Minister are gaining wealth, whereas the people continue to remain silent spectators, she claimed.
During this bye election, the people should send a clear message to the Congress government that they will be eradicated completely in the 2017 general election, she said.
Thangmeiband candidate Kh Joykishan also spoke during the campaign.
The Union Minister left Imphal for the national capital at around 3:30 pm.