BJP revolt in Dima Hasao: Protesters demand CEM Debolal Gorlosa’s removal, threaten mass resignation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 30, 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Dima Hasao is facing open rebellion from within as thousands of party workers, leaders, and disgruntled citizens staged a massive sit-in protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Haflong on Monday, demanding the immediate removal of Debolal Gorlosa as Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC).

What began as a party-level protest has now widened into a public outcry, with hundreds of aggrieved parents, students, and unpaid contractors joining the demonstration. The protesters accused Gorlosa of authoritarian functioning, nepotism, and diverting government benefits to his close aides at the cost of the larger tribal and BPL (Below Poverty Line) communities in the district.

BJP workers warned that they would resign en masse if state and party leadership failed to act. Many of them alleged that Gorlosa has manipulated council affairs to favour his own people, sidelined genuine BJP candidates during the last council elections, and denied basic welfare schemes to eligible beneficiaries.

“Even after nine years of BJP rule, the poor are still waiting for basic benefits,” said Chandan Nunisa, a BJP member and former Mandal president. “Scholarships for tribal students have been withheld, contractors haven’t received payments for months, and government schemes have been reduced to favours for the CEM’s inner circle. This is not the BJP we signed up for.”

Nunisa further alleged that Gorlosa encouraged syndicate operations and land encroachment in collusion with a select group of loyalists. “If no action is taken, we will intensify the agitation. At this rate, BJP will not survive in Dima Hasao,” he added.

Echoing similar frustration, Rohit Hagjer, a BJP worker from Hatikhali MAC constituency, said he and many others had not been paid for completed government works. “We are being punished for not being close to Gorlosa. If our dues are not cleared and the issue is not resolved by July 15, we will all leave the party. Debolal will be the only BJP member left here,” Hagjer said.

The protestors also demanded immediate disbursement of scholarships for tribal students and clearance of pending contractor bills. They accused the current administration of failing to implement state-sponsored welfare schemes fairly.