Bridge proposal causing infighting in BJP; MLA Kishore Das' supporters demonstrate in front of DC office

By barakbulletin On September 13, 2018 - 8:38 pm

“Jackfruit still in the tree but the moustache is already dripping oil”- a not so literal translation of the famous Bengali proverb, ‘Gache Kathal Gope Tel’ can be aptly used in Silchar. During Namami Barak, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal promised two new concrete bridges over river Barak. Chief Minister mentioned that two new bridges will improve connectivity and develop Silchar. No inauguration stone has been laid anywhere yet. No official announcement about land acquisition. The project is still at the planning stage but politics around it has already taken a mammoth shape.

A week back, the people of Chaitanya Nagar took the road to demonstrate their protest against building a bridge in Malugram connecting Dudhpatil to Silchar. In the demonstration, a senior BJP politician, also a ward commissioner, was seen raising slogan against his own party MLA Kishore Nath. They accused Nath of conflict of interest and said the MLA has his own vested interest and that is why he is so eager to build the bridge in Ithkhola Malugram area. The gathering burnt MLA’s effigy in presence of BJP politicians and all of them participated in the protest. Today, countering the anti-movement people of Borkhola marched to DC-Office in Silchar and submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner.

“A bridge is extremely essential and will be beneficial for the people of Barak Valley. There are many rackets which are acting as brokers. They are obstructing at every step and delaying the entire proceedings. The bridge should be built wherever the technical committee thinks is the best and not where brokers want,” said a spokesperson of today’s demonstration committee. Endorsing Kishore Nath, the spokesperson said that the MLA is extremely hardworking and there are many who feel jealous looking at the rapid growth and development of Borkhola constituency.

Things got heated up after people of Chaitanyapur saw MLA Kishore Nath with a team of engineers surveying the area. The locals feel if a bridge is built in that locality, many families will need to be relocated. While the owners will get reimbursed for their land the ones living on rent or lease will end up being homeless. They think a bridge over the river can take the roof off from over their head.

Taking all the recent activities into account Silchar MLA and former Deputy Speaker of Assam expressed his disappointment at the infighting. He said, burning effigy of Kishore Roy was not necessary, Paul added, “Politics around the bridge can only delay the proceedings which will do no good to the people of Barak Valley.” Paul concluded by saying, “No MLA or politician should decide where the bridge must be built, instead the technical committee should take that decision, as they are best placed to understand what will help residents the most”