Nalbari MLA Jayanta Mallabaruah Rejects Land Ownership Allegations as Smear Campaign
Minister Defends Reputation Amid Allegations
Guwahati, Jul 6: Jayanta Mallabaruah, the Minister of PHED and MLA from Nalbari, has firmly dismissed claims regarding undisclosed land ownership, labeling them as a targeted smear campaign intended to tarnish his image ahead of the elections.
In a social media statement released on Sunday, Mallabaruah asserted that the allegations are unfounded and part of a calculated effort to mislead the public about his family's financial status. He described the accusations as not only a personal affront but also an "insult" to the 1.06 lakh constituents who have consistently supported him.
“There should be limits to unfounded propaganda. It is evident that the recent claims against me and my spouse are entirely driven by ulterior motives. Politicians often face conspiracies, but this recent smear campaign has gone too far,” he stated.
Emphasizing his adherence to legal requirements, the Minister noted that all candidates in India must submit a comprehensive declaration of assets, including those of their spouses and dependents, to the Election Commission.
“I have consistently provided my family's asset details to the Election Commission during every election cycle. These records are public and can be accessed on the Commission's website. Anyone with doubts can consult the Income Tax Department or the courts. The law is upheld in this country,” he asserted.
In response to allegations that his wife possesses hundreds of bighas of land, Mallabaruah dismissed these claims as “ridiculous.” He highlighted that Indian law restricts individual land ownership to a maximum of 50 bighas.
“How could my wife own 75 bighas in one location, 150 bighas in another, and 265 bighas elsewhere when such ownership is illegal? This is nothing but a concocted tale,” he remarked.
He also reminded the public of his commitment to community service, recalling a time when he donated his own land for a government project in Nalbari.
“The residents of Nalbari are aware that when land was required for a government institution, I offered my own property. Why would someone willing to donate land for public benefit violate land laws for personal gain?” he questioned.
While criticizing certain media outlets and opposition figures for disseminating misinformation, Mallabaruah stated that he would not engage with every accusation merely to satisfy media sensationalism.
“I do not wish to become unwitting fodder for the media. I lack both the time and inclination to clarify myself to those who choose not to understand,” he added, expressing confidence that “those with an impartial perspective will discern the truth in due time.”
The Minister's remarks were prompted by allegations from Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, who accused him of occupying approximately 85 bighas of non-cadastral government land along the Baralia river in Rangiya.
During a press conference on Saturday, Gogoi claimed that the disputed land is situated within designated wetland areas.