Protest Erupts Against Minister Ashok Singhal in Assam's Dhekiajuli

Tensions flared in Rakshasmari Gaon of Dhekiajuli constituency as locals staged a protest against Ashok Singhal, a cabinet minister and close aide of the Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. The protest stems from allegations that the minister disrupted the democratic process during the panchayat presidential election and even resorted to “kidnapping” of ward members.

According to reports, five of the elected ward members were allegedly prevented from attending the meeting required to elect the panchayat president. Locals accused Minister Ashok Singhal of orchestrating the absence by locking up the five members, thus sabotaging the formation of the panchayat due to lack of quorum.

The incident has caused outrage in the minister’s own constituency. One resident expressed anger, saying, “Today, we needed ten members to form the panchayat government. But we are unable to do so as only five members are here. The other five have been locked up by Minister Ashok Singhal. He is destroying democracy.”

The Zonal Development Officer (ZDO) reportedly announced that the election process could not proceed due to insufficient quorum, leading to widespread confusion and unrest. Protesters claimed that not only did the minister block nominations during the election process, but he also attempted to manipulate the outcome by forcibly isolating members.

“We were planning to choose a president of the panchayat today. But because only a few members are present, everything has descended into chaos,” said another protester. A third added, “The entire process will be delayed now.”

Police have been deployed in the area following the incident. Some officers warned that if such “hooliganism” continued, the Zonal Officer himself may be held accountable for enabling the disruption.

As allegations of “kidnapping” and abuse of power surface, demands for an impartial investigation grow louder. 

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