Assam: Independent ward member candidate arrested after allegations against Digboi MLA

Political tensions flared up in Digboi this week as independent ward candidate and former BJP Mahila Morcha worker, Junmoni Moran, was arrested by Doomdooma police following a complaint lodged by members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Moran, who has been remanded to judicial custody, now faces renewed legal trouble after her recent social media allegations against Digboi MLA Suren Phukan triggered outrage within the ruling party ranks.

The controversy erupted after Moran’s Facebook post went viral, where she accused the legislator of disrespecting women, stating, “The MLA doesn’t know good and bad touch, he doesn’t know how to give respect to women.” The post led to an FIR filed by the Digboi unit of BJYM, resulting in her arrest.

The BJP’s women cadres have come out in strong defense of MLA Phukan, dismissing Moran’s remarks as baseless and malicious. “Junmoni had joined the BJP five years ago and worked closely with many of us. None of us ever felt unsafe or disrespected in MLA Phukan’s presence. Her allegations are shocking and unfounded,” said a senior woman BJP worker.

This is not the first time Moran has locked horns with the Digboi legislator. In 2023, she faced arrest for making similarly derogatory remarks against Phukan but was later released after submitting a written assurance that she would refrain from such actions. The case was subsequently withdrawn.

Adding to the tension, reports suggest that Moran allegedly attempted to disrupt MLA Phukan’s campaign event on May 1, ahead of the recent panchayat polls, further escalating the rift between the two.

Meanwhile, local rights organizations, including Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and Nari Mukti Sangram Samiti, have condemned Moran’s arrest, accusing MLA Phukan of misusing his political clout to settle personal scores. The groups have called the arrest an act of "political vendetta" and warned of protests, including plans to gherao the MLA’s residence in the coming days.