Aizawl, February 16 Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said on Monday that he would resign if any evidence links him to alleged financial irregularities in the ongoing Lengpui land deal controversy.
Responding to allegations that he received kickbacks, the chief minister challenged the opposition to provide evidence.
"If my involvement in this matter is proven with evidence, I will no longer consider myself fit to lead this state and will resign immediately," Lalduhoma said.
On February 13, Congress leader and former minister John Rotluangliana accused Lalduhoma of being involved in the alleged scam and claimed that he had received substantial commissions.
"According to the information we have gathered, the CM's intended share was Rs 14 crore, of which he reportedly received Rs 10 crore," Rotluangliana alleged during a political session at Congress Bhavan here.
He further claimed that Lalduhoma specifically requested that the payment be made in gold.
In an interview to a local TV channel, the CM strongly dismissed the accusations of accepting "commissions" and said these allegations have damaged both his personal reputation and the integrity of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM).
Lalduhoma countered by alleging that the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) administration, led by former Chief Minister Zoramthanga, had attempted to illegally sell land near Lengpui airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF) through a permanent "direct purchase" agreement.
He clarified that his current government is merely acting as a facilitator between the owner and the buyer.
Furthermore, the CM emphasised that his administration is following standard leasing protocols rather than permanently selling the land.
"The matter will be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after which everything will be made clear," he said.
The land, located near the state's lone airport in Lengpui and around 32 km from the state capital Aizawl, was acquired by the IAF for a base intended to house fighter aircraft and refueling facilities.
The acquisition has since sparked a wave of allegations and counter-allegations across political lines.
Critics point to "dubious financial transactions" and an "alleged haste" in the process, which recently came to light following media reports.
Both the opposition MNF and Congress have lodged separate complaints seeking a CBI probe.
A CBI official in Aizawl told