Assam Minister Himanta Biswa slams BPF supremo Hagrama, says masses will be given priority over "Chief"

FAKIRAGRAM: Launching a blistering attack on former BTC Chief and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) supremo Hagrama Mohilary, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma questioned the former's terming of himself as a "Chief" despite the end of his term.

"While the Prime Minister says that he is a sewak (servant) of the masses, we have Hagrama here who calls himself a Chief. The Prime Minister is a servant while you call yourself a Chief? This time, there won't be any Chief. The masses will be foremost and the elected representatives will have to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the masses," Sarma said during a rally in Fakiragram.

Sarma also stated that the formation of a BJP-led Government in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) would foster peace and equality among all the communities residing in the region.

Sarma said that Hagrama feigns concern about the myriad communities dwelling in the BTR region only in the lead up to elections. "However, once the elections are over, he completely forgets about the people and bribery and corruption is rampant," Sarma said.

Responding to Hagrama Mohilary's recent comments that Biswa Sarma should not visit the BTR region, the Minister said, "BTC does not belong to Hagrama Mohilary. I will come here, the BJP will form the government, and also hail Bharat Maata (mother India)."

The Minister also promised that before the Science College before the Assembly elections in Assam. "Before the elections are held, I myself will come and inaugurate a Science College in Fakiragram."

ALSO READ: Diwali & Kali Puja to be observed with certain restrictions in Assam’s Hailakandi — Check details here

"For 15 years -- ever since the signing of the BTC treaty -- the people of the region kept Hagrama Mohilary in power. As much as Rs. 1,000 crore was sanctioned to the BTC from the power corridors of New Delhi. Although PM Modi has promised houses for the poor, nobody has gotten houses in the region without bribing the VCDC. Even the old people's pensions have not been handed out," Biswa Sarma.

Lambasting the former BTC administration for lack of transparency, Sarma said that even though the governments in Delhi and Dispur properly explain where the budgetary allocations will be spent, there is no such arrangement in the BTC.

Sarma also pointed to allegations that the buying and selling of land is not allowed in the BTC. "However, if the BJP comes to power, we will ensure that a mechanism is implemented that allows the buying and selling of poverty."

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP's point man in the Northeast Indian region, has joined the saffron party's campaign in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) ahead of the impending polls.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:                                                                  

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.