Assam News: A political controversy has intensified in Assam over allegations of land grabbing in the Sonapur area. Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal recently asked the Congress party to present any evidence against him. In response, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia on Thursday released company documents linked to the minister’s family. Saikia wrote in a social media post, “Yesterday you publicly challenged me to prove that your company owns land in the Sonapur area. Perhaps you thought I would bluff, but the public has a right to know the truth. That’s why I’m publishing your own company documents.”
Land Mentioned in the Company’s Balance Sheet
According to the documents shared by Saikia, ‘Land at Sonapur’ is listed as an asset worth Rs 1.34 crore under Note 9: Property, Plant and Equipment in the financial year 2023–24 balance sheet of Protech Buildcon Private Limited. Saikia said that this company is a joint venture with other firms of the minister’s family, such as A I Infrastructures Pvt. Ltd. and Associated India Pvt. Ltd., he said. He also stated that if the chartered accountant had falsely certified this document, action should be taken against him, but this is the company’s official record.
Dispute over land near Zubin Garg’s area
Saikia alleged that the disputed land is located near the mausoleum of Zubin Garg, a renowned cultural icon of Assam. He directly challenged Ashok Singhal, saying, “If you truly possess courage and honesty, file an affidavit within 24 hours and publicly declare that neither you, nor any of your family members, nor any of your companies own land in Sonapur. Also, declare that the disputed plot near Zubin Garg’s area does not belong to you.”
Demands from the Government and Political Confrontation
Saikia said that Ashok Singhal should explain the balance sheet entry for the Sonapur land worth Rs 1.34 crore and publish the relevant survey and land title details. He also said that if the land does not actually belong to Singhal, then the government should allocate the plot to Zubin Garg. The controversy erupted on November 4th when Saikia demanded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remove Minister Singhal from the cabinet. Singhal soon after challenged the Congress leader to prove his allegations within 24 hours. The controversy has reignited a geopolitical and culturally sensitive issue in Assamese politics.
