Assam Assembly speaker refers CPI(M) MLA’s alleged bribery audio to Ethics Committee

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 24, 2025

Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary on Monday took decisive action regarding a viral audio clip allegedly featuring CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar asking for money from a person linked to a betel nut syndicate. Daimary forwarded the matter to the Ethics Committee for investigation after BJP MLA Manab Deka raised concerns during Zero Hour.

BJP MLA Manab Deka brought up the issue, demanding a motion against Talukdar for his remarks on the betel nut syndicate in the Assembly.

“Talukdar had brought an adjournment motion against the syndicate. During discussions, he named a few individuals as prime accused. And now, an audio clip of him allegedly asking for money has surfaced. This is a serious matter, and the Speaker must take action,” Deka stated in the House.

In the purported audio, a voice resembling Talukdar’s is allegedly heard demanding a “heavy amount” during a phone call. The controversy has triggered a major political storm, with ruling party members demanding accountability.

Reacting to the controversy, CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar denied any involvement, calling the clip “fabricated” and a product of artificial intelligence (AI) manipulation.

“This audio has been generated using AI. It is not my voice. I will approach the court and seek an impartial probe,” Talukdar asserted. He further challenged the authenticity of the recording, stating, “If anyone can prove that I made this call, I will quit politics.”

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the matter in the House, emphasizing that the same accused individual named in the audio had been mentioned in Assembly discussions regarding the betel nut syndicate.

Taking the matter seriously, Speaker Biswajit Daimary forwarded the complaint to the Ethics Committee for further investigation and necessary action. The move signals a formal inquiry into the allegations, with potential political repercussions depending on the findings.