Assam: Protest erupts in Margherita over smart meters and microfinance loan waiver

Members of the Satra Mukti Sangram Samity (SMSS) and Naari Mukti Sangram Samity (NMSS), alongside residents of Margherita, launched a protest on Monday, October 7 outside the residence of Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma. 

The protesters shouted slogans against the ruling BJP government, MLA Bhaskar Sharma, and State Power Minister Nandita Garlosa, demanded the cancellation of smart meters and the waiving of microfinance loans. 

The protest began at North Margherita Rangamancha, with demonstrators marching through NH 315 before arriving at MLA Sharma’s residence, where they chanted slogans of dissatisfaction. The protest aimed to bring attention to what they claim are anti-people policies introduced by the BJP-led Assam government.

Speaking on behalf of the SMSS, Tinsukia district committee general secretary Dharmaraj Chetry expressed frustration with the government's actions. "It is unfortunate that the BJP-led government has aligned itself with capitalist and corporate interests, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer," Chetry remarked. He further accused the government of corruption, calling the smart meter initiative a “scam” designed to exploit the public. According to Chetry, the policies have forced many citizens onto the streets in protest.

Chetry also directed strong criticism at Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma, labeling him "irresponsible and arrogant." He pointed out that in the eight years of Sharma's tenure, he had allegedly failed to advocate for the development of the Margherita constituency within the Assam Legislative Assembly.

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Adding to the grievances, a leader from NMSS accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of breaking his pre-election promises. She highlighted that before the 2021 Assam Assembly election, Sarma had assured voters that all types of loans would be waived if the BJP returned to power—a promise that remains unfulfilled. The leader warned that the discontent would be reflected in the upcoming Panchayat elections, where voters from Margherita would hold MLA Sharma accountable.

The protest also saw fiery comments from Pappu Dutta, president of the SMSS Central Committee, who alleged that MLA Sharma had accumulated vast wealth through coal syndicates in the region. Dutta claimed that Sharma, being one of Assam's wealthiest legislators, should be able to cover the electricity bills of all residents of Margherita. He added that in a symbolic act of defiance, the residents would soon begin returning their smart meters to the MLA’s residence.

As tensions flared, a memorandum outlining the demands of the protesters was submitted to MLA Bhaskar Sharma through Margherita Circle Officer Gyan Jyoti Dutta.