The development has sparked fresh outrage among indigenous rights groups, who accuse the ruling party of orchestrating systematic land alienation in tribal belts and blocks, despite its repeated promises of safeguarding indigenous rights.
While the BJP government continues to claim it is working in the interest of indigenous communities, serious allegations are surfacing that paint a different picture on the ground. After reports emerged that Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah was involved in the acquisition of land belonging to Adivasi families in Tezpur, another troubling incident has come to light from Goalpara district.
According to local sources, two BJP leaders — Dr. Prakash Kashyap, Director of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), and Rajesh Prasad Gupta, Chairman of the Lakhipur Municipal Board in Goalpara — have allegedly encroached upon nearly 39 bighas of land traditionally held by the Rabha tribal community. Reports also suggest that former Circle Officer Rajib Gogoi was allegedly complicit in facilitating the land acquisition.
The development has sparked fresh outrage among indigenous rights groups, who accuse the ruling party of orchestrating systematic land alienation in tribal belts and blocks, despite its repeated promises of safeguarding indigenous rights.
The incident comes amid increasing criticism from opposition parties and community organizations, who allege that the BJP government’s policies are facilitating large-scale evictions and enabling the transfer of tribal and indigenous land to politically connected individuals.
More details on the identities of the accused leaders and the circumstances under which the land was taken are expected to emerge as local protests intensify.
