Bhupen Borah accuses Himanta of delaying panchayat polls, protecting illegal coal syndicate masterminds

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 11, 2025

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Borah launched a sharp critique against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, accusing him of delaying panchayat elections and shielding key figures in an illegal coal syndicate.

Borah’s statements followed Sarma’s claim that Congress leaders obstructed the panchayat polls by filing a court case over delimitation anomalies in Sribhumi district.

“Failure to Hold Panchayat Polls Shows Government’s Incompetence”

Borah questioned the state government’s inability to conduct elections nearly a year after dissolving all gram panchayats on February 4, 2024.

“The Chief Minister, who portrays himself as a progressive leader, has failed to conduct the panchayat polls even after a year,” Borah stated during a press conference in Biswanath.

He pledged that the Congress party would compel the government to hold elections through legal means and democratic protests if necessary. “We want panchayat elections, but they should not clash with school examination schedules,” Borah emphasized.

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Accusations of Mismanagement and Neglect

Borah criticized government lawyers for allegedly failing to present proper arguments in court, even as judicial orders were expected soon. He accused the Chief Minister of preemptively announcing the postponement of elections to avoid political backlash.

“The Chief Minister knows Rs 1,000 crore in central funds allocated for panchayat development remains unused due to delayed elections. These funds, which should benefit the people, may have to be refunded because of negligence,” Borah said.

Borah highlighted Congress’ consistent track record of holding panchayat elections during its rule, contrasting it with the non-Congress governments of 1985-1990 and 1996-2001, which failed to conduct polls. He emphasized that deferring elections for more than six months violates regulations. “The Constitution grants us the right to approach the courts; the government cannot blame Congress for its failures,” he added.

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Allegations of Protecting Coal Syndicate Figures

Borah also accused Sarma of protecting figures involved in illegal coal mining operations. He alleged that Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and his wife Konika Hojai, were central to the coal syndicate operating in the region.

“CM’s feet are on two boats—he knows everything but won’t act. If Gorlosa and his wife are apprehended, they will reveal the truth and expose the syndicate kingpins,” Borah claimed.

He asserted that Gorlosa and his wife were merely “faces” of the illegal operations, while the real masterminds remained in the shadows. “We believe the Chief Minister’s priority is to protect them,” Borah alleged.

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Demands for Accountability

“The public is questioning who the real kingpin behind the syndicate is,” Borah said. “This pressure prompted the Chief Minister to make a midnight Facebook appearance to address the issue. We are determined to uncover the truth—everyone involved will be exposed.”

As demands for transparency grow, the Umrongso coal mine tragedy has highlighted deep concerns over illegal mining and regulatory oversight in Assam’s coal sector. Borah’s remarks signal an escalating political showdown as the Congress party pushes for accountability.