Outrage as Congress Slams CM for Stalling Panchayat Polls Amidst Umrangso Coal Mine Crisis
On January 11, the Congress leveled serious accusations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging deliberate delays in the Panchayat polls due to the government’s backlash over the coal mine crisis in Umrangso, Dima Hasao. Bhupen Borah, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief, claimed that Sarma’s hesitation to conduct the elections was rooted in fears of a loss if they were held promptly. He criticized the Chief Minister’s commentary on a sub-judice issue, emphasizing that Sarma announced a poll postponement while the matter awaits a court ruling.
Borah pointed to public anger over approximately 20-25 fatalities tied to illegal coal mining in Umrangso, suggesting that this has weakened the BJP’s public support. On December 20, the Gauhati High Court had instructed the Assam State Election Commission not to proceed with any election notifications without court approval. Sarma had mentioned on Friday that polls might occur in February, pending the court’s judgment release. Otherwise, the elections would be deferred until after the school board exams starting February 14.
Further, Borah accused Sarma of being complicit in the state’s illegal coal mining profits, citing FIRs against North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Garlosa and his wife, Kanika Hojai. He suggested that arrests would lead to disclosures about the illicit network’s operations, implicating influential individuals.
Additionally, Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi attributed the election delays to a flawed delimitation process. He argued that the Assam delimitation not only fails to serve the public’s interest but also prioritizes BJP’s political gains, adversely affecting the timely conduct of Panchayat elections. These allegations underscore mounting political tension in the region, amplifying scrutiny on the current administration’s handling of both coal mining issues and electoral processes.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/congress-accuses-cm-of-delaying-panchayat-polls-amidst-umrangso-coal-mine-crisis-1564581
Category : Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-01-11 20:54:00
