Shillong, Feb 25: The opposition Congress in Meghalaya demanded from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP)-led MDA government to withdraw its petition challenging against the order of the Lokayukta for a CBI probe into the coal racket.

“We will urge the state government to withdraw the petition filed in the Meghalaya High Court to scuttle the whole process of investigation,” Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma told reporters on Tuesday.

Moreover, he said the idea to have the Lokayukta was not only for cosmetic purpose but to ensure that the anti-graft body is to act as deterrence and ensure corruption-free governance.

“Corruption has been happening at all levels and we are all aware of that inspite of honest intention of successive government. Therefore, that was the reason why we felt the necessity to response to the desire of the people that yes there must be a Lokayukta,” Sangma said.

Lokayukta Chairperson P.K. Musahary had on January 9 ordered a CBI probe into the alleged illegal transportation of coal, boulders and betel nuts in the state based on a petition filed by Abhijit Basumatary.

In his petition, Basumatary accused state and central government officials for their involvement in illegal transportation of coal and other items. He had named several officials including Suraj Joshi, the Officer on Special Duty to former Home Minister James Sangma in the petition.

“I am highly convinced that Lokayukta desire that there should be an investigation team other than the officers who are under the control of the incumbent government it is simple,” Sangma said.

On Monday, the Division bench of the Meghalaya High Court deferred the hearing on the petition filed by the state government against the order of the Lokayukta for a CBI probe into the coal racket to March 27.

Sangma said that the government challenging the Lokayukta order was carried out at the advised of a “powerful man”, which he refused to divulge his name.

“Who is that powerful man asking this government to challenge the order of the Lokayukta, who is that powerful man, who is asking the government to file petition before the High Court and why? Whom they want to defend? Do they want to defend themselves,” the Leader of Opposition asked.

Alleging that there was a cartel working in the coal racket, Sangma expressed as to why there was hullabaloo that the Home Minister James Sangma should be droped and his portfolio was changed .

“I have said there was a cartel working. Why only home minister. Have you been able to carry any news item of the then home minister James K Sangma refuting the allegation on illegal mining. Did he give any press conference no. It was Chief Minister who was on a denial mode all the time. It was not James Sangma it was Chief Minister in the house outside the house, everytime when the attention was drawn they were prompt and he led from the front,” Sangma said.

“… this particular mala fide and criminal intent (challenging the Lokayukta order) of the government is to delay the process of investigation as ordered by Lokayukta by petitioning the high court, who is stopping it who is that powerful man who have the guts to petition against the order of the Lokayukta for what reason, what is the intention what is the purpose is it for the interest of the people or bringing a corruption free governance, it is to ensure mandate of Lokayukta is implemented in letter and spirit,” he added.