Digboi: A political dispute has emerged in Digboi in Assam’s Tinsukia district over the Asom Mala Phase-II road project, with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) raising allegations against a contractor over “betrayal,” negligence, and remarks against a sitting legislator.
The issue has led to complaints, protests, and exchanges between the groups, raising questions over project execution and involvement of local workers.
In memoranda submitted to the district administration and police authorities, BJYM’s Digboi and Tingrai Mandal Committees have alleged irregularities against contractor Matlebuddin Ahmed and his associate Bhaskar Goswami of Purvanchal Building Pvt. Ltd., which is executing the nearly 40-km Mohong–Digboi road project via Pengaree.
According to the complaints, the contractor had earlier assured BJYM members that local youth would be engaged in supplying construction materials. However, the organisation now alleges that no local workers were included as the project nears completion, calling it a “deliberate deception” and “calculated exclusion” of local stakeholders.
The situation escalated when BJYM workers raised the issue with the contractor. The organisation has alleged that Ahmed used “highly abusive and unconstitutional language” against Digboi MLA Suren Phukan, which they described as “deeply offensive,” “undemocratic,” and disrespectful to the public mandate.
BJYM leaders have also raised concerns over safety and construction quality. They alleged that several accidents occurred during the project, including incidents involving contractor vehicles that led to two deaths.
They also raised concerns about poor construction practices and alleged illegal storage of materials on protected forest land.
These concerns had been raised earlier as well. MLA Suren Phukan had submitted complaints to the Chief Minister of Assam and the Tinsukia district administration regarding irregularities in the project. He had also denied allegations of seeking any commission.
BJYM and BJP members held a press interaction at the MP Office in Digboi after filing complaints, where they alleged “gross negligence” and poor construction quality, saying it could affect public safety. They also called for inspection of the project site.
The dispute has now seen counter-allegations from the contractor’s side. Bhaskar Goswami, speaking in Guwahati, accused MLA Suren Phukan of demanding commissions and obstructing the project, causing delays. The MLA has earlier denied such allegations.
Although the contractors reportedly visited Digboi and apologised to the MLA and BJYM members, the organisation rejected the apology, calling it “cosmetic” and “insufficient.”
BJYM leaders Bishal Paul and Manas Protim Dohutia have said that work on the project will be stopped unless local youth are given work as promised. They have also demanded legal and administrative action against the contractors.
Copies of the complaints have been sent to the District Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Digboi, and the Officer-in-Charge of Digboi Police Station.
With both sides making allegations and no official response from the administration so far, the dispute has raised concerns about delays in the infrastructure project and governance issues in the region.