Guwahati: A dispute over flood relief distribution in Sivasagar has intensified between the Raijor Dal and BJP, with eight FIRs registered against Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi. The cases were filed on Monday at Sivasagar Police Station following complaints by several BJP frontal organisations, including the Yuva Morcha, Chah Morcha, Mahila Morcha, Minority Cell, SC Morcha, ST Morcha and OBC Morcha.
The BJP organisations have accused Gogoi of making provocative remarks against party workers and allegedly threatening them with physical assault.
The complaints come amid a growing dispute over the distribution of flood relief materials and assistance to flood-affected schools in the Sivasagar Legislative Assembly constituency.
BJP workers had earlier demanded an unconditional apology from Gogoi over remarks he allegedly made warning that party workers would be beaten if they attempted to interfere with relief distribution.
The BJP has since stepped up its criticism of the MLA, accusing him of making allegations against several party legislators and ministers over flood relief distribution and alleged illegal mining activities.
At a recent protest meeting against Gogoi, Sivasagar district BJP president Bitupon Raidangia chaired the gathering. BJP state secretary Lakhya Konwar accused Gogoi of making what he termed baseless allegations against Nazira MLA Mayur Borgohain, Demow MLA and Cabinet Minister Sushanta Borgohain, Sonari MLA Dharmeswar Konwar and Sivasagar Guardian Minister Bimal Borah.
Konwar alleged that Gogoi had raised issues related to alleged illegal coal and stone quarrying in the Bihubor-Nagonimara area, besides questioning the distribution of flood relief, with the aim of damaging the public image of the BJP leaders.
The BJP leader also criticised Gogoi over his recent confrontation with the Sivasagar district commissioner. Konwar alleged that the MLA reprimanded the officer in the presence of media personnel and later shared footage of the incident publicly.
The registration of the eight FIRs has further escalated the political confrontation in Sivasagar, with the distribution of flood relief emerging as a key flashpoint between the Raijor Dal and the BJP.