AIUDF candidate accused of using fake educational certificate in Assam panchayat elections

On the eve of the second phase of the Assam Panchayat elections, Assam Pradesh Congress Working President and Sarukhetri MLA Zakir Hussain Sikdar has levelled serious allegations against AIUDF candidate Hawa Begum for allegedly submitting a forged educational certificate to secure her nomination.

In a press briefing held at Kayakuchi, Congress leader Zakir Hussain Sikdar accused Hawa Begum, the AIUDF candidate contesting for the 22 No. Uttar Betbari Anchalik Panchayat seat under Pakabetbari Block in Barpeta district, of entering the electoral fray using fabricated academic credentials.

According to Sikdar, Hawa Begum submitted documents claiming she had cleared the Higher Secondary examination from Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU). Her nomination papers reportedly included a marksheet, pass certificate, and an enrollment certificate bearing the enrollment number 14014308.

However, in response to a formal inquiry initiated by MLA Sikdar, the KKHSOU authorities issued a written clarification stating that the enrollment number in question does not correspond to any candidate named Hawa Begum. This revelation strongly suggests that the documents submitted in her nomination are fraudulent.

Despite the gravity of the matter, Sikdar alleged that the Barpeta District Election Officer failed to take appropriate action when a formal complaint was lodged. He criticised the administration for its apathy and questioned the impartiality of the election machinery.

Given the alleged inaction of election authorities, the Congress leader stated that the opposition has now taken the matter to law enforcement. A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Hawa Begum at the Barpeta Sadar Police Station, seeking a criminal investigation into the suspected forgery.

Sikdar further claimed that this incident may be symptomatic of a deeper and more widespread malpractice. He alleged that other AIUDF candidates contesting in the region could also be involved in similar acts of deceit, casting doubt on the legitimacy of multiple nominations within the party’s ranks.

Urging the district administration and state government to launch a comprehensive and unbiased probe, Sikdar stated that the submission of forged documents in an election is not just a violation of law but a direct assault on the sanctity of democratic institutions.