Assam: Congress leads massive protest in Boko against alleged sexual misconduct by BJP functionary

Congress MLA Nandita Das led a massive protest in Boko on Wednesday, May 28, condemning the alleged sexual misconduct by a BJP booth-level functionary during the execution of the Assam Government’s flagship Orunodoi welfare scheme. 

The incident has sparked a fierce political row and raised serious concerns over the safety and dignity of women beneficiaries under state-run schemes.

The protest emerged after a woman beneficiary accused Pujya Bodo, BJP’s booth president from Moirangchora Ward (32 No. Uttar Bekeli Gaon Panchayat), of making indecent sexual advances and obscene gestures while distributing benefits under the Orunodoi scheme. The woman also claimed that Bodo demanded Rs 2,000 following the inappropriate behavior.

More than 500 Congress workers, led by Das, marched along National Highway 17, raising slogans such as “Shame on BJP Government!”, “Arrest the Offender!” and “Down with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma!”. The protest began at Rajiv Bhawan in Boko and proceeded to the Public Works Department office, concluding with a demonstration outside the Boko Police Station, where an official FIR was submitted demanding immediate arrest of the accused.

Addressing the media after the protest, MLA Das slammed the state government, asserting that the Orunodoi scheme — originally intended to empower economically weak women — has now become a tool for exploitation and harassment. She criticized the BJP-led administration for systemic irregularities in the scheme’s implementation across the Kamrup district.

Das also lashed out at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, recalling his controversial remarks against women job seekers during the previous Congress regime. “When BJP claims zero tolerance against crimes targeting women, why is there complete silence and inaction in this case?” she questioned.