Gogoi adopted double standard in land allotment, says KMSS

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 21: The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) has accused Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of adopting a policy of double standard in allotment of government land.

Talking to newsmen in the city today, KMSS general secretary Bhasco Dee Saikia said: "Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi follows two different policies for allotment of government land - one for commoners and the for his family friends, politicians and influential businessmen. Gogoi had formed a committee led by Dr. Bhumidhar Barman on June 28, 2011 to suggest ways to issue land  pattas to the people. The committee suggested that people who have been holding government for ten years or more on June 28, 2011 should be allotted pattas."

Saikia said: "After 2010, Hamaj Properties Pvt Ltd, owned by the wife and daughter of AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal, was given 1 hectare and 23 acre lands against the suggestions given by Dr. Barman Committee. Likewise, the government gave 25 bighas of wetlands in North Guwahati to the Chief Minister's family friend Dr. ba Kumar Goswami for Guwahati Medical and Research Centre. The government also gave 12 bighas of lands on Jalukbari hills under Jalukbari Mouza for Esclaptius Hospital and Health Care Pvt Ltd. Two of these three allotments of land were done at the diktat of the Chief Minister."

When the Chief Minister had his heart surgery, Dr. ba Kumar Goswami came to India to meet him.

Meanwhile, the KMSS has called a rally on June 22 near Dighalipukhuri in the city in memory of those who died during their agitation in support of their demand for land pattas.