Calls for Debolal Gorlosa’s ouster intensify in Dima Hasao amid coal mine tragedy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 7, 2025

Amid the tragedy in Umrangso coal mines, a growing faction within the BJP in Dima Hasao has intensified protests against Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC), accusing him of authoritarian governance and corruption.

Hundreds of BJP workers marched through Haflong on Tuesday, shouting slogans such as “Debolal Gorlosa Murdabad” and “Debolal Hatao, BJP Bachao.” Protesters expressed their allegiance to BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while demanding Gorlosa’s removal.

Protesters submitted separate memorandums to BJP national president JP Nadda, Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita, and Dima Hasao district commissioner Simanta Kumar Das, alleging corruption and malpractices, mismanagement in council activities and violation of constitutional rules under the Sixth Schedule.

They also protested against the CEM for his authoritarian leadership, exclusion of elected Members of Autonomous Council (MACs) and Executive Members (EMs) from development initiatives and decision-making processes.

Internal conflicts have deepened, with Gorlosa’s faction allegedly at odds with BJP colleagues, including Niranjan Hojai and his sister, Cabinet Minister Nandita Gorlosa. Protesters claim this division is damaging the party and undermining governance in the district.

BJP leader Jaydev Phonglo said, “We are demanding the immediate removal of Debolal Gorlosa. If he is not ousted, we will escalate our protests to the Pradesh BJP office in Guwahati.”

Former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar expressed disappointment with Gorlosa’s governance, calling for constituency-wise protests and impeachment proceedings to restore transparency and good governance.

Assam coal mine tragedy: Rescue ops halted for the day; 11 miners still trapped; mine owner arrested

Protesters plan to escalate their demands by organizing rallies in Haflong and potentially extending their agitation to Dispur and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Delhi if their concerns are not addressed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The ongoing conflict highlights a tug-of-war between Gorlosa’s supporters and a faction of MACs, EMs, and active BJP members from constituencies such as Harangajao, Hatikhali, Hadingma, Wajao, Gunjung, and Digger.

This internal unrest within the BJP underscores mounting dissatisfaction with Gorlosa’s leadership. Protesters ares determined to push for a leadership change to ensure accountability and transparency in the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council.