Mayor rebuts BJP MLA’s allegation

Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb on Tuesday countered BJP MLA Dr Sankar Ghosh’s allegation that the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) was stalling development projects under the MLA’s fund.

Addressing a press conference, Deb showcased progress reports of MLA and MP Local Area Development (LAD) schemes and turned the tables on BJP representatives from adjoining constituencies.

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Deb stated that while Dr Ghosh has allocated Rs 46 lakh for 14 projects, the SMC has so far received 11 schemes through the district magistrate. “Some schemes are in progress, some under process. One scheme – construction of a well and four bathrooms in Ward 28 – is unfeasible due to land issues. If the MLA manages a no-objection certificate from the Railways, it can proceed,” he said.

Taking a swipe at Dr Ghosh, the mayor said: “As a new MLA, he made initial procedural mistakes. After correction, his proposals were routed properly. But before allowing time for implementation, he began blaming SMC after submitting just one letter to me on 7 July. I responded and directed action on 8 July.”

Highlighting cooperation from others, Deb noted that Darjeeling MP Raju Bista had allocated Rs 42 lakh, with four projects already completed. However, Bista’s ambulance scheme awaits implementation due to a shortfall of Rs 3 lakh.

He further revealed that BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya sanctioned Rs 15 lakh for a road project already undertaken by SMC using state government funds. “We’ll notify Mr Bhattacharya accordingly,” Deb added.

Slamming the inaction of BJP’s own lawmakers, Deb said: “Surprisingly, despite 14 Siliguri wards falling under Dabgram-Fulbari Assembly and Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha segments, neither MLA Sikha Chatterjee nor MP Dr Jayanta Roy has allocated even a single rupee for development.”