Opposition Demands Action Against Minister Over Land Grabbing Allegations

Call for Minister's Removal

Guwahati, Nov 4: Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition, has called on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to dismiss Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal amid new allegations of land grabbing in a protected tribal area close to Zubeen Kshetra in Sonapur.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Saikia emphasized that the Chief Minister should adopt a "zero-tolerance policy" towards corruption by removing Singhal from his position and launching a comprehensive investigation.

Saikia stated, “The Chief Minister must not permit Ashok Singhal to continue in the Cabinet. He should establish a committee led by the Chief Secretary to signal that his administration will not condone any corrupt activities. There are numerous allegations suggesting corrupt behavior associated with Singhal.”

He further accused the Health Minister of being involved in dubious land transactions repeatedly.

“If Singhal indeed possesses land in that area, it raises serious concerns. Previously, he attempted to acquire land belonging to the Dhekiajuli Mahila Committee under his wife's name, later claiming it was a mistake. He also registered himself under the Orunodoi scheme, which he later retracted as an error. Now, there are reports indicating he has obtained land in a non-surveyed tribal region, which is unacceptable,” Saikia remarked.

The senior Congress figure also highlighted the necessity for land reforms in the state, advocating that land ownership should be limited to local families who have resided in Assam for generations.

“We believe that land should not be sold to just anyone with financial means. Only families who have lived in Assam for a minimum of three generations should be eligible to purchase land here. Otherwise, we risk losing our cultural and demographic identity,” he asserted.

Earlier on Monday, Chief Minister Sarma distanced himself from the issue, claiming he was unaware of Minister Singhal's land ownership in Sonapur.

Sarma stated, “It is not my responsibility as Chief Minister to keep track of who owns which piece of land,” during a press interaction in Jamugurighat, Sonitpur.

The controversy gained traction last week following reports alleging that Minister Singhal had acquired land in a protected tribal area near Guwahati.

This issue has ignited a significant political debate, with the opposition accusing the government of protecting corruption within its ranks.