Shillong/New Delhi, Jan. 26: A signature campaign was launched in front of Raj Bhavan in Shillong today to seek the recall of Meghalaya governor V. Shanmuganathan.
Armed with placards, activists of the Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) and Thma-U-Rangli-U-Juki (TUR) stood in front of the Raj Bhavan, demanding his immediate recall following media reports suggesting that he had allegedly indulged in “inappropriate” behaviour towards a woman job aspirant.
Shanmuganathan, however, had earlier denied the allegations as appeared in a section of the media. The woman has not filed any complaint against him.
But yesterday, more than 80 Raj Bhavan staff sent a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi wherein they enlisted a slew of allegations against the governor.
“We feel he (governor) is demeaning the position of the head of a state. He is rude, arrogant, temperamental and untruthful. Above all, he has seriously compromised the dignity of Raj Bhavan and unfortunately made it into a ‘young ladies club’,” the Raj Bhavan staff said in the petition. They said they would provide “papers and photos” to prove their allegations against Shanmuganathan.
Yesterday, The Telegraph sent a text message to the governor’s aide-de-camp (ADC), followed by a phone conversation. The allegations levelled against the governor were explained and the ADC was requested to get Shanmuganathan’s reply to the allegations. However, till today, the ADC, who last night said he would get back within 20 minutes, is yet to do so.
Interacting with reporters here today, chief minister Mukul Sangma said that the state government would inform the Centre about the recent developments in Raj Bhavan.
In New Delhi, the Congress today demanded the immediate dismissal of Shanmuganathan for “converting Raj Bhavan into a place for Raas-leela.”
Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said at a press conference, “It is sad that a constitutional authority has stooped so low. The Prime Minister and the President must take note of the development and sack him immediately as his conduct brings bad name to the high office.”
“This is probably for the first time in the history of independent India that the staff of Raj Bhavan have revolted against the governor,” he added.
