Politics has once again heated up in Assam over a land dispute. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Debabrata Saikia has demanded that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma immediately dismiss Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal from his cabinet. He faces serious allegations of land grabbing in the Jubin area (Sonapur), a tribal protected area. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Saikia said the Chief Minister should demonstrate a “zero tolerance” approach to corruption cases and initiate a high-level investigation after removing Singhal from his ministerial position. He alleged that several suspicious land deals have been reported against Ashok Singhal in the past, but have been ignored so far.
Saikia’s Allegations: Repeatedly Suspicious Land Deals
Debabrata Saikia further stated that Health Minister Ashok Singhal has repeatedly been involved in suspicious land deals. He claimed that Singhal had previously attempted to grab land belonging to the Dhekiajuli Mahila Samiti in his wife’s name and later dismissed it as a “mistake.” Furthermore, they had registered themselves under the Orunodoi Scheme, though they later apologized for this as an “error.” Now, a new report has revealed that they purchased land in a tribal protected area, a blatant violation of land laws. Saikia said, “If this is true, it is a very serious matter. The Chief Minister should immediately order an investigation to uncover the truth.”
Demand for Land Reforms and Concerns Over Cultural Identity
Congress leader Saikia stressed the need for land reforms in the state, saying the government should ensure that land ownership remains solely with local families who have lived in Assam for generations. He said, “Land is not just a commodity that can be bought with money. We believe that only families who have lived in Assam for at least three generations should have the right to purchase land. Otherwise, our cultural and demographic identity will be at risk.”
Chief Minister clarifies, saying, “I have no information.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distanced himself from the controversy, stating that he had no knowledge of Minister Ashok Singhal’s land ownership. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said, “As Chief Minister, it’s not my job to monitor who owns what land.” The controversy erupted last week when media reports revealed that Ashok Singhal had purchased land in a tribal protected area near Guwahati. The matter has sparked a political storm in Assam, with the opposition accusing the government of protecting corrupt individuals. The issue has now heated up the state’s political atmosphere, and pressure on the government is likely to increase in the coming days.
