Assam Darshan funds misused in Tezpur LAC, alleges Congress

Our Correspondent

Tezpur: A complaint has been submitted to the District Commissioner of Sonitpur, Ankur Bharali, alleging unauthorized committee formation and financial misappropriation under the Assam Darshan Scheme in the Tezpur Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC). The complaint was filed under the directive of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi by Sonitpur District Congress president Dadul Barkakati, calling for an immediate high-level inquiry into alleged irregularities in the use of government-sanctioned development funds.

In a memorandum submitted to the District Commissioner, the Sonitpur District Congress Committee (SDCC) raised concerns regarding blatant violations of Assam Darshan Scheme guidelines, which were designed to support the development and refurbishment of religious institutions across the state. According to the rules, a local development committee comprising trusted members of the concerned religious institution is to be constituted to ensure transparent handling of funds.

However, Congress alleged that Tezpur MLA Prithiraj Rava bypassed this protocol by forming an unauthorized committee that excluded temple authorities and included individuals with no affiliation to the religious bodies in question.

Specifically, the complaint named Pallab Kumar Baruah, Accountant, Balipara BDO Office and Ankur Das, Junior Engineer as members of this committee.

In March 2025, an initial installment of Rs 7 lakh (out of a sanctioned rupees 15 lakh) was released for three religious sites: Balleswar Dewaloi, Ganesh Mandir and Henguleswar Dewaloi. Shockingly, temple management committees claim they were not informed about the sanctioning or the withdrawal of these funds. No construction or repair work has commenced at any of the mentioned sites, raising serious concerns about the misuse of public money.

The complaint highlights a breach of Assam Darshan Scheme implementation protocols, the formation of an unauthorized committee without consent from temple authorities, potential embezzlement or misappropriation of government funds, and disrespect toward religious institutions and community sentiments.

The Sonitpur District Congress Committee has demanded an immediate investigation into the formation and legitimacy of the said committee. They also called for a thorough audit of the rupees 7 lakh already disbursed and the suspension of further fund release until the matter is resolved.

In addition, they urged strict action against individuals found responsible for misusing public resources.

The incident has sparked widespread public outrage in Tezpur, with community members calling for transparency, accountability, and justice in the handling of religious and cultural development schemes. The matter now awaits official response and action from the district administration.

 Also Read: Assam Youth Congress social media handle operated from Saudi: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Also Watch: