Congress Protests in Nalbari Over Allegations Against Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah
Protest Rally Demands Investigation
Nalbari, July 10: On Thursday, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organized a protest rally in Nalbari, calling for an inquiry into the alleged acquisition of land, properties, and hotels by local MLA and Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.
The rally, led by the Nalbari Town Mandal Congress, commenced at Rajiv Bhawan and made its way to Thana Chariali, where participants conducted a sit-in, chanting slogans that demanded transparency and accountability.
As the protesters attempted to march towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office to present their memorandum, police intervened. An Assistant Commissioner later arrived, allowing the Congress delegation to submit their demands.
The memorandum was subsequently delivered to the Governor through the Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari.
“While the people of Assam are struggling with rising costs, the corruption allegations against MLA Jayanta Mallabaruah have brought disgrace to our constituency,” stated Dibyajyoti Haloi, APCC Secretary.
Haloi insisted on a thorough investigation into the corruption claims against the Urban Affairs Minister, stating, “We have presented a memorandum to the Governor demanding a comprehensive inquiry. If the government does not respond, we will escalate our protests.”
Ratul Patowary, APCC Nalbari District President, supported the call for an investigation and criticized the state government.
He accused the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government of ignoring the increasing financial burden on citizens, attributing this negligence to its involvement in corruption.
“This government has exceeded all limits,” Patowary remarked, highlighting alleged irregularities in land transactions, Gir cow acquisitions, and the misuse of loan schemes intended for businesses.
He further claimed that the ruling BJP’s promise of “zero tolerance against corruption” is meaningless, especially in light of the allegations surfacing under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s administration.
Previously, on July 6, Minister Mallabaruah strongly denied the allegations, labeling them as a “targeted smear campaign” aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of the elections.
In a social media statement, Mallabaruah dismissed the accusations as “completely unfounded” and asserted that they were intended to mislead the public regarding his family’s assets.
He characterized the claims as not only a personal affront but also an “insult” to the 1.06 lakh voters who have supported him throughout his political career.