Evict the Minister First: Akhil Gogoi Challenges CM Over Land Encroachment

In a strongly worded press conference, Raijor Dal president and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Friday launched serious allegations against Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, accusing him of large-scale land acquisition and encroachment while serving in office. Gogoi demanded an immediate government-led eviction drive on over 85 bighas of land allegedly occupied by the minister and called for a high-level investigation into the matter.

Speaking to reporters, Gogoi revealed that a private company named JMB Aqua Agro Private Limited, in which the minister's wife Julie Deka Baruah is the sole proprietor and director, had purchased 39 bighas, 3 kathas, and 16 lechas of land at Kuntibari in Rangiya. The land was reportedly acquired on April 26, 2023, under the name of JMB Farms — while Baruah was actively serving as a Cabinet Minister in the BJP-led Assam government.

Another director of the company is said to be Jehidul Islam, according to Gogoi, who presented documents claiming direct financial and legal links between the land transactions and the minister’s immediate family.

Parallel Land Encroachment Alleged

In addition to the purchased land, Gogoi alleged that Jayanta Mallabaruah had illegally encroached upon over 85 bighas of government-owned wetland and public land, calling it a clear violation of both land and ethical codes of conduct.

“How can a sitting minister acquire 40 bighas of land in a single day, and also hold 85 bighas of government land illegally? This is nothing short of a land scam,” Gogoi stated.

He accused the government of turning a blind eye to such acts while continuing eviction drives against the poor and landless.

Demand for Immediate Eviction and Accountability

Calling on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi said, “If the state government fails to evict Jayanta Mallabaruah from the 85 bighas of encroached land within 24 hours, it will lose all moral ground to carry out evictions elsewhere in the state.”

Gogoi’s statement comes in the wake of recent eviction drives carried out in Lakhimpur, where several indigenous families were rendered homeless. He demanded the government ensure proper resettlement and rehabilitation of all those evicted from their homes.

Sharp Questions for the Chief Minister

Questioning the double standards of the current regime, Gogoi posed a direct challenge to the Chief Minister:

“Why are Khilonjiya (indigenous) people being evicted while powerful ministers continue to encroach land without consequence? Is this Ram Rajya or the reign of Ravana? Will there be an investigation against the betrayers of public trust?”

Gogoi’s fiery press conference has triggered political ripples, with demands now growing for the government to clarify the nature of land transactions involving its ministers and their close associates.

As of now, no official response has been issued by Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah or the Chief Minister’s Office.

Also Read: “Bulldozer Over Paddy Seedlings”—Lakhimpur Girl Describes The Eviction