Congress supporters stage protest in front of Upper Bagdogra gram panchayat office alleging corruption

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI, : The Congress supporters in Bagdogra staged protest in front of the office of Upper Bagdogra Gram Panchayat on Friday against alleged corruption in various developmental projects.

Police force, who were put on alert before the rally of Congress supporters reached the panchayat office in the afternoon around 1 am, prevented the Congress supporters for entering the office.

Later, after discussion, 12 members were allowed to enter the office.

The Upper Bagdogra Gram Panchayat, being run by Trinamool Congress for the first time after winning the last civic poll, has been alleged of manipulation of funds and corruption in developmental projects.

Congress supporters under the leadership of Amitava Sarkar have raised 12-point demands for the smooth functioning of the civic body.

Sarkar said, “Funds have been improperly utilized, malpractices has been seen with the common people when the visit for any official works, drains are blocked in several areas, the newly constructed roads are damaged, there is sudden rise in tax, irregularity and absenteeism of Pradhan in office and other issues are there which was not noticed in previous tenures of Upper Bagdogra Gram Panchayat.”

The Congress supporters warned of aggressive movement if their demands are not met within 10 days.

Upper Bagdogra Gram Panchayat representative Sanjib Sinha said the gram panchayat is functioning smoothly without any complaints from the common people. “We are working hard for the betterment of the people and it takes time to maintain everything since we have taken charge two years back. We have to repair everything that was spoiled by the previous board run by the Congress party.”