Not holding office of profit, says Mizoram Minister
The Hindu
The Opposition Zoram People’s Movement filed a petition on February 28 urging the State Governor to disqualify him for allegedly running a consultancy firm handling several government projects
Mizoram Sports Minister Robert Romawia Royte has denied holding an office of profit as alleged by a regional political party.
On February 28, the Opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) petitioned the State’s Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati, seeking his disqualification for allegedly running a consultancy firm handling several government projects in violation of Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
“I have proper documents and substantial proof that I do not own a firm and hold an office of profit. There is nothing to fear unless it is related to laws unknown to me,” Mr Royte said with reference to the petition at a function of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF).
He said he had transferred the ownership of his firm, North East Consultancy Services, to his son Vanlalfelpuia Royte soon after he was elected to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly in 2018.
The ZPM in its petition said Mr Royte has continued to control the firm and pay the goods and service tax after his election. The party claimed that the firm signed an agreement with the State’s District Council and Minority Affairs Department in June 2022 for executing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.
Mr Royte did not mention in his affidavit the ongoing projects undertaken by his firm while filing his nomination papers for the 2018 election, the ZPM claimed.
The Governor has sought the opinion of the Election Commission of India on the ZPM petition.
Cricket fans in Vizag enjoyed a thrilling ODI as Kohli, Rohit, and Jaiswal delivered memorable performances for Team India.
Congress leaders, including Kharge and Gandhi, meet to address the Karnataka leadership struggle, planning further discussions.
Kerala's local body polls focus on regional issues and candidates, not a referendum on the LDF government, experts say.
A 74-year-old man and his sister lose ₹80.5 lakh in a digital arrest scam by cyber fraudsters posing as police.
Social Justice Minister honors Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary, joined by top officials in floral tributes and reflections.
NPCIL is to blame for storage of radioactive waste on site of Kudankulam nuclear power plant: Appavu
Tamil Nadu Speaker Appavu criticizes NPCIL for unsafe nuclear waste storage at Kudankulam, urging better solutions for public safety.
Raghavasimhan Sankaranarayanan’s AI innovation, Hathaani, blends the soul of Carnatic music with cutting-edge technology.
Banu Mushtaq discusses the power of storytelling in dismantling societal norms at the Bengaluru Literature Festival.
Sunali Khatun returns home to West Bengal after being detained in Bangladesh, highlighting ongoing struggles for repatriation and justice.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Israel for the first time to strengthen ties amid recent tensions over the Gaza conflict.
A study reveals rising heat amplifies health risks for women in seven Indian states, impacting physical, mental, and economic well-being.
Ghaziabad topped India's pollution list in November, with Delhi ranking fourth, according to a new air quality report.
ED, GST officers conduct check at a cardamom merchant’s godown in Bodi with CISF guards on duty