Aizawl: A recent revelation regarding the Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama’s residence renovation has sparked controversy, with the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) criticizing the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) for excessive spending.
According to information obtained through an RTI query, the Mizoram PWD Building Division spent a total of ₹23,40,000 on the renovation and furnishing of the Speaker’s residence. This includes ₹8,40,000 specifically for renovation and an additional ₹15 lakh for furniture and other items like sofas, dining tables, and doormats.
The MNF was quick to point out that this expenditure contradicts the ZPM’s earlier stance on government spending. When the ZPM first came into power, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma assured the public and media that the government would avoid unnecessary high expenditures on renovations. He emphasized a commitment to financial prudence, promising that the administration would refrain from lavish spending on government officials’ residences.
However, the recent disclosure has led the MNF to accuse the ZPM of acting contrary to their promises. “The ZPM is doing the opposite of what they said. They assured the public that they wouldn’t spend high amounts on renovations, but here we see ₹8,40,000 spent just on the Speaker’s house alone,” an MNF spokesperson stated.