Guwahati: A storm of discontent has erupted in Bamunpara, the very constituency represented by Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, as locals halted the construction of the Tihu-Dumuni connecting road, citing egregious irregularities. The project, funded under the MMUPPNA scheme with a substantial allocation of Rs 5.55 crore for the 2023-24 financial year, has been marred by accusations of substandard work, prompting residents to take direct action.
The core of the residents’ grievance lies in the perceived poor quality of the construction, which they claim is riddled with severe lapses. The locals’ unrest reached a boiling point, compelling them to physically stop the ongoing work. Adding fuel to the fire, allegations have surfaced that the contract was awarded to an individual with close ties to Minister Dass, raising suspicions of nepotism.
The situation has escalated dramatically, with residents issuing a stern warning: they will boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the authorities fail to rectify the alleged malpractices. This threat underscores the depth of their frustration and their determination to seek accountability. The irony of the situation is not lost on the community, given that Minister Dass himself inaugurated the project.
Compounding the controversy, residents allege that instead of undertaking the necessary step of removing and replacing the existing damaged black-topping, the contractor simply laid stones over the cracked surface. This shortcut, they argue, compromises the road’s integrity and durability. As public indignation intensifies, the spotlight now falls on the authorities, who must decide whether to address the serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement or risk further alienating the community.
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