Pramila Rani alleges UPPL distributed cash; accuses police of helping it

KOKRAJHAR: Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) leader and former minister Pramila Rani Brahma today accused the United People’s Party-Liberal (UPPL) of distributing cash among voters and alleged the Assam Police was helping in the process.

Interacting with the media after casting her vote here, Brahma alleged that her complaints with the police fell on deaf ears.

“I was in a strong position till yesterday. However, some developments took place last evening after which I am little worried. Our party workers have reported that UPPL supporters were distributing cash in villages and urban areas as well. They demanded that I should also do so. But, I refused and reported the matter to the police.

ALSO READ: Why Is The Third Phase Important For Congress In The Assam Election 2021?

“Since the Kokrajhar SP (Rakesh Roushan) is not in good terms with me, I reported the matter to LR Bishnoi (Assam Police ADGP BTAD). He, however, bluntly dismissed my report saying it could not happen because there were police personnel on duty. Yes, they were on duty, but only to safeguard those distributing cash. There were commandos blocking the roads leading to those places where cash was being distributed. Those commandoes did not allow our men to proceed,” Brahma alleged.

“Later on, I informed some local police officers who rushed to the spots, but not without informing those who were distributing cash. I followed the officers personally and found that groups of women coming out of those places and those committing the crime fled through the backdoors. It seems the ruling government has been using its machinery to defeat me,” the six-time Kokrajhar East MLA added.

The UPPL has pitched former student leader Lawrence Ishlary against her.

ALSO READ: UPPL’s Leho Ram Boro comments on Rangja Basumatary’s departure; here’s what he said

Efforts to contact the police officials concerned proved futile.

Distribution of cash and liquor on poll eve have been a tradition way to woo voters in the tribal-dominated and tea garden areas of Assam.