Leaked 'audio' lands BJP MLA in fresh Assam land scandal

Fresh political controversy has erupted in Assam following the circulation of an audio clip allegedly involving Palasbari BJP MLA Hemanga Thakuria, in which the speaker is heard discussing commissions linked to land transactions. 

The clip, widely shared on social media, has triggered sharp reactions across the state and renewed opposition attacks on the ruling BJP.

The purported recording contains references to land brokering and alleged demands for commissions running into several lakhs of rupees. One claim suggests a demand of Rs 1 lakh as commission for a single bigha of land. 

The speaker is also heard making repeated references to personal “benefit” and expressing an intention to remain an MLA for decades, raising questions about propriety and accountability in public office.

Reacting to the controversy, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a scathing attack on the Assam government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing it of presiding over widespread corruption and lawlessness. 

“Another hour, another controversial BJP leader close to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is in the news for the wrong reasons,” Gogoi said in a statement on social media platform X.

Escalating his criticism, Gogoi alleged that the state was witnessing what he termed “gundaraj” under the present dispensation. “Charging commission for land deal, stealing FCI grain, encroaching upon tribal land, cow syndicate, coal syndicate—this is the gundaraj in Assam under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,” he said, adding that the Congress would “remove these people from power in four months from today,” using the slogan #NatunAxom (New Assam).

India Today NE attempted to contact Palasbari BJP MLA Hemanga Thakuria for his response to the viral audio clip, but he was unavailable for comment.

As the clip’s authenticity remains unverified, the controversy has intensified political sparring in Assam, with the opposition demanding accountability and the ruling party dismissing the allegations as baseless and orchestrated.