Cooch Behar: Villagers and the Trinamool (TMC) supporters converged on Sitalkuchi demanding overdue payments for 100 days of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
BJP MLA Barenchandra Barman of Sitalkuchi had organised a cloth distribution programme in the Choto Salbari area of the Sitalkuchi Assembly in Cooch Behar district when local residents and TMC workers arrived, protesting the delay in disbursing their wages. Tempers flared as the protesters confronted the MLA, forcing him to halt the distribution programme abruptly. Matters escalated when the agitators sat in front of Barman’s car, blocking his exit. Ultimately, Barman’s security personnel intervened, escorting the MLA away from the scene. The incident created a tense atmosphere in the vicinity, and Sitalkuchi Police Station received a report of the commotion.
Speaking about the incident, Baren Chandra Barman, the MLA of Sitalkuchi Assembly Constituency, remarked: “We will certainly appeal to the Central government to release the dues of MGNREGS payments to the rightful beneficiaries who have toiled tirelessly. The TMC-led state government must provide an accurate account of the funds spent, ensuring that the Centre can disburse the money. However, the state government has not provided an accurate account and has, in fact, misled the people.”
Abhijit De Bhowmick, Trinamool Congress Cooch Behar district president, explained: “Protests like these are cropping up wherever BJP MLAs are present because common people are frustrated by the delay in receiving their MGNREGS payments. The Trinamool Congress is not directly involved, but we empathise with those who are compelled to voice their concerns. The lack of timely wages is affecting people’s ability to
prepare for the biggest Bengali festivals, further fueling
their frustration.”