Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee NPCC has described as “a matter of serious concern” the complaint lodged with the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kohima against chief minister T.R. Zeliang for allegedly providing false information about his educational qualifications in the election affidavit and other official records.
In a press release, Media Cell, NPCC said as per the complaint, the chief minister claimed to have graduated from Kohima Arts College in 1979 (Nagaland Legislative Assembly record) and 1980 (election affidavit of 2013).
However, according to RTI information attached with the complaint, he had failed miserably in all subjects in 1979 and had no record of appearing BA exams in 1980.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee demanded that chief minister T.R. Zeliang come clean on this serious allegation since the state cannot afford to have a political head of the state with “dubious educational qualifications.”
Further, Congress party demanded that the chief minister, to put speculations to rest, publicly substantiate his graduation records of either 1979 or 1980 as claimed.
Failure to substantiate, NPCC said he has no moral right to remain in office and should immediately step down and pave way for an impartial investigation.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee has also appealed to the Sr Superintendent of Police, Kohima to register a case based on the complaint lodged and immediately carry out thorough investigation in the interest of all concerned.
The complainant, Kiesamyi Iranguang of Jalukie town, also enclosed annexure of copies of T.R.Zeliang’s signed statements over educational qualifications as per RTI.
It was also learnt that the SP Kohima had received the same complaint letter and that the case would be looked into.
Meanwhile, when earlier contacted by Nagaland Post on Sunday, chief minister T.R. Zeliang questioned the complainant as to under what Act was educational qualification required to be an MLA or MP.
The chief minister also said no certificates or marksheets were submitted when he filed nomination papers as there was no such requirement. (Nagaland post)
CM’s official website shows BA pass from Arts college Kohima
Chief Minister of Nagaland’s official website www.chiefministernagaland.in shows TR Zeliang holds a BA degree from Arts college Kohima.
National News on false election affidavits
Goa
22 July, 2015: The Aam Admi Party on Monday said it may approach the Supreme Court over elected representatives lying on affidavits, and demanded the arrest of Goa PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar for submitting a false graduation degree to the election authorities.
Delhi
At the time of filing his 2015 election affidavit, former cabinet minister of law and justice in the Government of NCT of Delhi Shri.Tomar claimed that in 1999 he obtained a LL.B. degree from Bishwanath Singh Institute of Legal Studies, Munger, affiliated to Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Bihar, which is now disputed. He has resigned has Delhi’s law minister.