Controversy erupts over expenditure on Panchayat Election 2025 Observer in Assam's Kaliabor

A controversy has surfaced over the alleged use of public funds for the hospitality of a Panchayat Election 2025 observer and her family during the election period in Kaliabor.

 

According to reports, Pranati Majumdar, appointed as Election Observer for Panchayat Election 2025 by the Assam State Election Commission, stayed at the Kaliabor Circuit House along with her husband and son during her official duty. Majumdar, who serves as an Additional Secretary in the state Agriculture Department, was assigned to oversee the election process and ensure transparency and fairness.

 

However, it has been alleged that the Kaliabor sub-divisional administration extended official hospitality not only to the observer but also to her family members. An amount of Rs 61,595 from the public exchequer was reportedly spent on their food and related arrangements. More than Rs 20,000 was allegedly paid to a cook for preparing meals.

 

Sources claim that election guidelines do not permit an appointed observer to keep family members with them during official duty. Despite this, Majumdar is alleged to have stayed with her family at the government accommodation during the election period.

 

In a related development, bills related to various election expenditures were scrutinised on June 9, 2025, and forwarded by Kaliabor Sub-Divisional Officer Raj Baruah to the Nagaon Deputy Commissioner’s office. The total bills amounted to Rs 56,20,167.

 

The expenditure details reportedly included Rs 22,83,240 for vehicle requisition, Rs 8,79,720 for fuel, Rs 62,400 for public address systems, Rs 23,31,960 for food supplies, Rs 35,000 for videography, Rs 19,117 for photocopying and Rs 8,730 for printing.

 

Allegations have been raised that large-scale financial irregularities may have occurred in the election-related expenses. Officials have not yet issued a detailed public response to the claims.