Assam BJP MP kicks up row by batting for illegal sand mining, Congress demands probe
Rameshwar Teli, BJP MP from Dibrugarh constituency, apparently wrote a letter to the DFO of Digboi, directing him to allow illegal sand mining in Ushapur area under Digboi forest division in Tinsukia district.
In Short
- Protests being held by organisations in Upper Assam division against Teli.
- Many corruption cases in and around Dibrugarh have come up involving Teli.
- The BJP MP is pleading he is innocent and has rubbished all charges against him.
A BJP MP from Assam has triggered a controversy for allegedly writing a letter in favour of a person involved in illegal sand mining.
Rameshwar Teli, BJP MP from Dibrugarh constituency, apparently wrote a letter to the Divisional Forest Officer of Digboi, directing him to allow illegal sand mining in Ushapur area under Digboi forest division in Tinsukia district.
The issue has caused much furore in Upper Assam division as protests and dharnas are being organised by various organisations demanding Teli's resignation.
BJP LEADERS MUM ON SUBJECT
The government has, however, decided to stay mum on the subject. BJP leaders and ministers refused to speak on the subject.
Of late, multiple corruption cases in and around Dibrugarh constituency have come up involving Teli. Various local organisations have demanded his resignation and a proper probe into the charges against him.
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Meanwhile, Teli is pleading he is innocent and has rubbished all the charges against him.
He said that he had no idea about which region fell under the forest department's eco-reserve area and that it was illegal to allow sand mining there. He went on further to say that he had written the letter simply to help a local resident.
BJP NOT KEEPING ENVIRONMENT SAFE: CONGRESS
Subhramitra Gogoi, General Secretary of Assam Pradesh Youth Congress, has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. "BJP talks about Jati, Mati n Beti which, in fact, is just a vacuum. Its leaders use this slogan to create a sentimental atmosphere, but they don't want to keep the environment safe. Hence, they are promoting issues such as illegal sand mining for personal gains."
Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad burnt effigies of Teli in Duliajan later to be followed by the Assam Sangrami Mancha in Tinsukia. They said that Teli had fooled the common people of the region by talking about his humble origins initially and had later got involved in multiple scams.
(WITH INPUTS FROM MANOJ DUTTA AND ANURAAG BARUAH IN ASSAM)