Crisis in Tinsukia Municipal Board

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TINSUKIA: The Tinsukia Municipal Board (TMB), which was constituted on April 12 along with other municipal boards, is plunging into crisis within three months after 12 ward members out of total 15 revolted against the chairman Jayanta Baruah even as Baruah was chosen unanimously following recommendation of local MLA and Minister Sanjoy Kishan. But the rift between Baruah and Kishan developed within a week as one pitched against the other with allegation and counter-allegation that resulted a hostile environment within the TMB.

Displeased with the unilateral functioning of the chairman, the 12 councillors collectively lodged a complaint with the district BJP. In its sitting on July 13, the district BJP forwarded the views of ward commissioners to the State BJP. Though State BJP's decision is waiting, the news doing the rounds is that the district BJP has suggested for replacement of chairman.

Minister Kishan told this correspondent that he was not in favour of removing Jayanta Baruah. "How can I suggest removal of Baruah when he was my choice," said Kishan, adding that from day 2 of his incumbency, he never consulted for any decision.

On the other hand, Jayanta Baruah contended that it was not necessary to consult every detail with the minister. On the matter of sharing responsibility with ward members, Baruah said that confidence-building exercise was lacking. Minister Kishan, however, desired that the chairman should work collectively with all members.

While major developmental works in Tinsukia Municipality has virtually come to a standstill, some unscrupulous persons are taking advantage of the chairman-minister tussle.

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