Corruption Allegations Against Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah: Sivasagar MLA Speaks Out
Allegations of Land Occupation
Guwahati, July 4: Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah is facing serious corruption allegations, as Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has accused him of illegally occupying approximately 85 bighas of non-cadastral government land near the Baralia river in Rangiya. During a press conference on Friday, Gogoi referenced official government documents to back his claims.
Gogoi also alleged that on April 26, 2023, while Mallabaruah was serving as a minister in the BJP government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, his family acquired an additional 39 bighas, 3 kathas, and 16 lechas of land in Rangiya.
“Despite Jayanta Mallabaruah's assertions of no wrongdoing since joining the BJP, he purchased these plots while in office. Government records clearly validate this,” Gogoi stated during the briefing.
The MLA further claimed that the 85 bighas of non-cadastral land in question are situated in wetland regions.
He criticized the government's eviction efforts targeting the impoverished and questioned whether the Chief Minister would take action against Mallabaruah.
“By occupying non-cadastral government land, Jayanta Mallabaruah is effectively an encroacher. Will the Chief Minister take action against his properties? Will he be dismissed from the Cabinet? There should be an eviction drive on these lands as well,” Gogoi asserted.
He emphasized that the land in Mallabaruah's possession could serve better public purposes.
“The Chief Minister could utilize these plots for industrial development, support MSMEs, or allocate land to the underprivileged. Alternatively, these areas could be restored as wetlands to enhance environmental protection,” Gogoi suggested.
Gogoi accused the government of failing to genuinely protect the interests of indigenous communities.
“While the government claims to safeguard indigenous rights, the reality is quite different. Why are bulldozers being used against the Ahoms in Lakhimpur? Across the state, the government is evicting indigenous groups like the Rabhas and Karbis. Is this how they intend to protect the indigenous population?” he questioned.
Additionally, Gogoi called for the rehabilitation of families displaced in Lakhimpur, demanding they receive alternative land and fair compensation.
“We expect their rehabilitation within 48 hours,” he stated.
Accusing the government of land grabbing and wealth accumulation, Gogoi remarked, “Those who tarnished the Congress's reputation are now in power within the BJP. They provide the poor with Rs 1,250 while seizing vast tracts of land and accumulating wealth.”