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.”