Sivasagar: A dispute between Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi and the district administration has escalated after employees of the Deputy Commissioner’s office launched a protest on Friday, alleging that the MLA behaved improperly with the district commissioner during a meeting over flood relief.
The protesting employees wore black headbands and stayed away from work as a mark of protest. They objected to the manner in which Gogoi allegedly addressed the district commissioner during his interaction with the administration on Thursday.
The confrontation reportedly took place during a meeting convened to discuss the distribution of financial assistance among people affected by the recent floods. Gogoi had questioned the administration over alleged delays in providing relief to beneficiaries.
The MLA reportedly insisted that officials ensure the assistance reaches eligible families before leaving the affected areas. He also criticised the administration over what he described as lapses in the delivery of government support.
Gogoi has repeatedly raised the issue of flood relief distribution in Sivasagar in recent weeks, alleging that affected residents have not received assistance in time. He has also demanded greater accountability from district officials and the state government.
The remarks made during Thursday’s interaction, however, drew objections from employees of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, who accused the MLA of misbehaving with the district commissioner.
The employees subsequently decided to stage the protest and work boycott on Friday. They are expected to meet to discuss whether further action should be taken against the alleged conduct.
The incident has added to the ongoing political and administrative friction in Sivasagar over the handling of flood relief, with Gogoi continuing to press the administration for faster disbursement of assistance to affected families.