Kohima: In a heated political session at the Mizoram Congress headquarters, the Congress party leveled serious accusations against the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) for their exorbitant expenses and failure to meet the needs of the people.
Joseph Lalhimpuia, General Secretary of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) and a member of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), criticised the ZPM for what he described as a betrayal of the hopes they instilled in the public while in opposition.
Lalhimpuia highlighted the disillusionment among the youth, farmers, and government workers in the eight months since ZPM took power. “They tricked the people and are slowly revealing that they are not what they claimed to be,” he stated.
He emphasised the stark contrast between the promises made by the ZPM before they took office and the reality faced by citizens today.
In his address, Lalhimpuia revealed that the Council of Ministers meeting under the ZPM was held on July 2, 2024, in Lunglei, incurring food expenses of Rs 321,565, which were billed to Aizawl.
He also criticised the significant 106% salary increase for ZPM councilors, who have been in office for barely 16 months, as well as the hike in parking fees aimed at generating municipal revenue.
He pointed out that the ZPM not only owes Rs 321,565 to the Lunglei District Commissioner but also used Rs 116,800 from Lunglei High Powered Committee funds. Lalhimpuia noted that the ZPM delegation included 134 individuals, from the Chief Minister to peons, leading to substantial travel and allowance costs.
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Moreover, Lalhimpuia expressed deep concern over the government’s neglect of domestic animal farmers. Since January 2023, he reported, there have been 12,756 pig deaths due to African Swine Fever (ASF), with a total of 34,627 pigs culled. He estimated the financial loss to farmers at around Rs 1,038,810,000.
“The cries of pig farmers are falling on deaf ears,” he lamented, stressing the potential economic impact of this crisis.
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