Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia Defends Actions Amidst Boundary Dispute
Guwahati, 25th February: Assam’s Leader of Opposition and Nazira constituency MLA, Debabrata Saikia, addressed recent criticisms over the delimitation drive’s impact on parts of the Nazira sub-division being moved to Charaideo district. Saikia asserted that targeting him over this issue is unjust, emphasizing his efforts to preserve the historic Charaideo Maidam within Sivasagar district boundaries.
Saikia clarified that he actively sought to prevent such measures by filing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) and pursuing legal avenues, including petitions at the Gauhati High Court. Notably, in December 2018, he filed a writ petition alleging arbitrary administrative control by Charaideo district over certain villages, which led to a notice issued by the High Court to the Assam government.
Further, Saikia raised the issue in the Assam Assembly in 2022, seeking details on district boundary demarcation and the inclusion of two village panchayats in Charaideo district. In response, Cabinet Minister Ranjit Kumar Dass cited the matter as subjudice and justified the inclusion for administrative ease.
Saikia denounced the government’s move to include Nazira sub-division’s administrative work under Charaideo district, stressing Chief Minister’s earlier commitment to maintaining Charaideo Maidam within Nazira assembly constituency. He condemned being made a scapegoat for political gains.
In September 2023, Saikia highlighted irregularities, including the merger of a panchayat with Sivasagar constituency, opposing it as contrary to delimitation laws. He underscored his ongoing efforts to safeguard Nazira sub-division’s territorial integrity and ensure Charaideo Maidam’s inclusion, denouncing unfair targeting by certain groups and outfits.
Debabrata Saikia concluded by reiterating his commitment to the cause and urging fairness in assessments amidst the boundary dispute.
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