Declaring that “the people of Rajabala deserve better,” Opposition Trinamool Congress legislator from Rajabala constituency Dr. Mizanur Rahman Kazi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the functioning of the Meghalaya Government, alleging serious lapses in the Electricity Department, irregularities in the functioning of Village Executive Committees (VECs) and poor execution of public infrastructure projects. Citing a short-circuit incident at New Bhaitbari Bazar as evidence of alleged negligence by the Electricity Department, the legislator said repeated appeals to the authorities had failed to yield results. He also questioned the delay in conducting VEC elections despite the High Court’s directions, alleged irregularities in the issuance of VEC work orders and criticised the quality of the AMPT road repaired by Midas Constructions. Calling for greater accountability and transparency, Dr. Kazi urged the Government to act without discrimination, warning that continued inaction could compel people to take to the streets.
Holding the Electricity Department responsible for failing to ensure electrical safety, Dr. Kazi said, “Today’s short circuit incident at the New Bhaitbari Bazar has once again exposed the pathetic condition of the Electricity Department. Timely maintenance, proper safety measures, and accountability cannot be ignored when public lives and livelihoods are at stake. A thorough inquiry must be conducted, and corrective measures must be implemented without delay.”
The Opposition legislator also raised concerns over the delay in conducting legitimate VEC elections and alleged irregularities in the issuance of VEC work orders. “The continued delay in conducting legitimate VEC elections, despite the High Court’s directions, is deeply concerning. Equally disturbing are the allegations of irregularities in the issuance of VEC work orders, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness. The rule of law must prevail over vested interests. Batabari and Demdema C&RD Blocks top the list,” he said.
Questioning the quality of road construction in the constituency, Dr. Kazi said, “The condition of the AMPT road, repaired by Midas Constructions, is another glaring example of poor-quality work and a disregard for public money. The people deserve durable infrastructure, not cosmetic repairs that deteriorate within a short period.”
Alleging that repeated representations had failed to elicit any response from the authorities, Dr. Kazi said, “As the elected representative of the people, I have repeatedly raised these issues with the concerned Government departments. Unfortunately, despite several representations and requests, the genuine concerns and voices of the people continue to be ignored and suppressed for political reasons. This is neither ethical nor acceptable in a democratic society.”
Seeking immediate intervention, he said, “I once again urge the Government and the concerned authorities to act immediately, ensure accountability, and deliver justice and development to the people without discrimination.”
Warning of public protests if the grievances remained unaddressed, Dr. Kazi added, “It’s high time that the Departments concerned take note of these and take effective corrective measures before we are compelled to take it to the streets to get our legitimate justice.”
