Congress demands CM's resignation for violating Liquor Act

Aizawl, Jul 30 (UNI) The Mizoram Pradesh Congress today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Zoramthanga, accusing him of violating the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act.

The Congress action committee stated that the Mizo National Front government, in a joint venture agreement, gave permission to the Venus Bamboo Products Private Limited, West Bengal, to take up the business of brewers, distillers and manufacturers, as well as merchants and dealers of beer, wines, spirit aerated water and liquor of every description, whether intoxicating or not.

''This is a total violation of the MLTP Act and the Chief Minister, who also holds the Industries portfolio, must resign as a responsible person,'' Congress action committee chairman Col (Rtd) Lalzawma told UNI here today.

Earlier, the action committee had burnt copies of the joint venture agreement, terming it as a ''corrupt joint venture''.

The committee also sent the copies to the MKHC (Mizoram Church Leaders' Committee), Synod Social Front and Central Young Mizo Association.

The action committee alleged that Rs 4.49 crore had been given to Managing Director of the the Venus Bamboo Products Private Limited K K Shah, from the Baffacos (Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme) and Mizoram Intodelhna (self-sufficiency) Project funds.

The committee also informed that a showcause notice was issued to Mr Shah by the state government for his failure to submit audited financial accounts, balance sheet and future action plan, but he could not be traced.

UNI ZS DPM RR DS1440