BJYM Raises Concerns Over Asom Mala Phase-II Project Irregularities

Allegations Surface Regarding Road Project

Digboi, April 25: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has raised serious concerns regarding irregularities in the ongoing Asom Mala Phase-II road project, calling for an immediate investigation into the execution of the work.

The youth wing has submitted multiple memoranda to local authorities, accusing contractor Matlebuddin Ahmed and his partner Bhaskar Goswami from Purvanchal Building Pvt Ltd of misconduct while constructing the nearly 40-km Mohong-Digboi stretch via Pengaree.

BJYM representatives claim that during a meeting at the BJP Digboi Mandal office, the contractor promised local youth opportunities to supply construction materials for the project.

However, they allege that as the project progressed, these opportunities were not provided, which they view as a breach of trust and exclusion of local stakeholders.

The situation escalated when BJYM members confronted the contractor directly.

Furthermore, the organization accused Ahmed of using inappropriate and unconstitutional language towards Digboi MLA Suren Phukan.

Concerns were also raised regarding the safety and quality of the project, with reports of several accidents during construction, including incidents involving vehicles associated with the contractor that resulted in two fatalities.

Additional allegations include substandard work, negligence, and illegal storage of materials on protected forest land.

Notably, MLA Suren Phukan had previously brought these issues to the attention of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the district administration, highlighting the alleged irregularities.

He has denied any claims of seeking undue commissions related to the project.

In response to the complaints, political leaders and BJYM members held a press conference in Digboi, emphasizing the need for immediate inspections and corrective actions due to gross negligence and poor execution standards.

The contractor's side has also made counter-accusations, with Bhaskar Goswami claiming that MLA Suren Phukan demanded commissions and created obstacles that delayed the project.

While the MLA has not responded to these specific allegations, he has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Sources indicate that the contractor and his associate later visited Digboi to apologize to the MLA and BJYM members, but BJYM leaders deemed this gesture insufficient.

BJYM Digboi Mandal president Bishal Paul and Tingrai Mandal president Manas Protim Dohutia have warned that work on the project will cease unless the remaining portions are allocated to local youths as promised.

Complaints have been filed with the district commissioner, senior superintendent of police, sub-divisional police officer, and the officer-in-charge of Digboi Police Station.

As the administration has yet to provide an official response, tensions remain high, and the dispute could hinder the progress of this vital infrastructure project in the area.