Guwahati, Feb 27: Internal fractures within the Bongaigaon district Congress escalated on February 27 as a section of party workers leveled grave accusations of corruption and family-centric politics against Srijangram legislator Abdul Batin Khandakar. During a press conference held at Rajiv Bhawan in the Balarchar commercial area, disgruntled members accused the MLA of fostering a “commission raj” throughout his constituency over the last five years. The workers alleged that the legislator consistently awarded public works to his own family members, leading to the execution of substandard projects while substantial commissions were siphoned off for personal gain.
Beyond financial misconduct, the protesters challenged the MLA’s perceived popularity, claiming it is an artificial construct fueled by digital manipulation. They alleged that funds were used to purchase social media engagement, specifically likes and comments on Facebook, to mask a lack of genuine grassroots support. According to the party workers, this reliance on paid online optics has replaced authentic connection with the electorate, creating a false impression of strength while the actual organizational foundation in Srijangram continues to erode.
The growing dissent has culminated in a direct warning to the Congress high command regarding the upcoming Assembly elections. The workers asserted that the party leadership would be held responsible for the political fallout if Abdul Batin Khandakar is renominated as the candidate. Demanding a “new face” for the Srijangram seat, the group claimed that more than a hundred workers share the conviction that fielding the incumbent MLA again will lead to a certain electoral defeat. This public display of grievance underscores a deepening crisis of factionalism within the party’s grassroots as it prepares for the polls.
