Inside JMB Agro: The Secret Business Empire of Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah

Jayanta Mallabaruah, one of the most vocal ministers in Assam known for his provocative communal rhetoric, especially against Muslims—often derogatorily referred to as “Miyaa”—is now under public scrutiny for what appears to be a glaring contradiction between his words and actions.

While Mallabaruah has frequently mocked people of the Islamic faith in political discourse, documents and investigations reveal that in his private life, he engages in thriving business partnerships with individuals from the same community he publicly derides.

This contradiction was laid bare following a sharp rebuke by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who highlighted Baruah’s hypocrisy. The issue came to light after Baruah’s wife, Julie Deka Baruah, was listed as a beneficiary of a government subsidy worth ₹50 lakh under the dairy development scheme. When questioned, Baruah defended the grant, claiming he owns a dairy farm.

However, subsequent investigations have revealed a much broader and more complex web of interests and associations. The farm in question is part of a large private venture named JMB Aqua Agro Private Limited, located in Kumtibari, Jayantipur, Rangiya. Registered with the Shillong Registrar of Companies, its Corporate Identification Number (CIN) is U05004AS2016PTC017472, and its registration number is 017472.

Shockingly, the company’s official email at the time of registration was jehirul.islam89@gmail.com—indicating the involvement of one Jehirul Islam, a man from Khatikuchi, Nalbari, who once served as a member of the Nalbari Zila Parishad. Jehirul Islam, a Muslim, is not just a co-director but also reportedly a close aide of Jayanta Mallabaruah.

The company initially had two directors—Jehirul Islam and Julie Deka Baruah—appointed in 2016 and 2020 respectively. Julie, the minister’s wife, was appointed as the Managing Director of the firm on March 2, 2020.

The farm, spread across 104 bighas of land, is said to have over 34 ponds, breeds of Gir cows, improved goat varieties, poultry, and horticultural units—all under the “organic” label. It is believed that government aid intended for fishery and goat farming is being disproportionately availed by this entity under the guise of agricultural entrepreneurship.

Even more telling is the fact that on March 3, 2023, another director was added to the board: Trinabrita Buzar Baruah, reportedly the daughter of Jayanta Mallabaruah, who is currently studying in Mumbai. This has sparked outrage, as the daughter of a sitting minister now finds herself a stakeholder in a multi-crore company—presumably by the virtue of familial and political connections.

Despite Baruah’s assertion that such subsidies are meant to compensate loss-making businesses, balance sheets tell a different story. In FY 2022-23, JMB Aqua Agro Pvt. Ltd. reported:

• 13.94% increase in revenue,

• 499.83% jump in profit, and

• 1,934.53% growth in total assets.

While the company is not registered in Jayanta Mallabaruah’s name directly, sources confirm that the acronym JMB stands for Jayanta Mallabaruah—indicating his direct influence and behind-the-scenes ownership. His wife and close associate Jehirul Islam act as the company’s public face.

The farm's operations remain highly restricted, with local residents not allowed inside. Many allege that the firm benefits from various government schemes, including subsidies for fish ponds and goat rearing, under dubious pretexts. Locals are now demanding an official inquiry into the entire operation.

As per allegations, Jehirul Islam has leveraged his proximity to Baruah to land lucrative government contracts, including under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The irony is inescapable: a minister who constantly decries “Miyaa” culture and vilifies Muslims in political speeches, runs a flourishing enterprise with a Muslim business partner—profiting from the very government he represents.

This hypocrisy hasn’t gone unnoticed. A viral WhatsApp message sums up public sentiment mockingly:
“Jayanta Malla was right after all—his family has always raised cows. Zubeen Garg apparently once named one of their cows.”

As demands for investigation grow louder, the question remains:
Is this just a savvy business model, or a clever way to launder unaccounted money under the garb of agricultural development?

Whether or not the government acts, the people have already seen the face behind the mask.

Also Read: Who’s Really Milking the Benefits? Assam Dairy Loans Under Fire