ZPM dares MNF to hold public debate over central fund lapse

AIZAWL: A blame game between ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) over the lapse of funds under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme is intensifying, with the former challenging the latter to a public debate.
Tired of the back-and-forth through press conferences and counter-press conferences, the ZPM Legislature Party on Friday penned a letter to its MNF counterpart, inviting it to a public debate on the matter.
"If you accept the challenge, kindly inform us of your preferred time and date," stated the letter signed by ZPM Legislature Party secretary TBC Lalvenchhunga.
The MNF has accused chief minister Lalduhoma of making false statements regarding the utilisation of funds under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. It has demanded an apology from Lalduhoma for alleging poor performance during their previous tenure, which purportedly led to the lapse of over Rs. 430 crore.
Earlier, Lalduhoma had said funds were sanctioned by the Centre for various projects under the SASCI scheme during the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. However, he alleged that the MNF government failed to achieve the required physical progress on projects, resulting in the lapse of funds.
The MNF Legislature Party (MLP) leader and leader of opposition Lalchhandama Ralte refuted Lalduhoma's claims, asserting that all funds allocated under SASCI were utilised appropriately during their tenure. Ralte accused the ZPM government of hindering project execution and failing to adhere to SASCI guidelines.