AJP challenges CM Sarma over coal syndicate, demands statement in Assam Assembly

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 18, 2025

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of attempting to divert public attention from the illegal coal syndicate operating in the state. The party demanded that the CM make a formal statement in the upcoming budget session of the Assam Assembly, addressing allegations of coal smuggling, administrative involvement, and political patronage.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, AJP general secretary Jagdish Bhuyan alleged that Sarma was raising unrelated issues—including that of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Gogoi—to shift focus away from the coal syndicate.

‘CM Operating Beyond His Authority’

Bhuyan criticized Sarma for directing the state CID to register a case against a Pakistani national, arguing that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Bhuyan also claimed that the CM’s recent statements on implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord exceeded his administrative authority, as the matter is a central subject.

“If these agencies believed there was an issue, they would have taken action. The silence of the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Central government proves that Sarma’s claims are baseless,” Bhuyan said.

Coal scam and rat-hole mining allegations

The AJP accused Sarma and his administration of playing a mysterious role in protecting illegal coal mining operations, particularly in Umrangso, where miners remain trapped in a rat-hole coal mine at 3 Kilo.

“The CM initially claimed there was no illegal mining in Assam. But after public pressure, he directed the Assam DGP to shut down illegal mining sites. Despite this, our investigation confirms that coal mining, transportation, and trade continue unabated,” Bhuyan said.

The Gauhati High Court recently took suo motu cognizance of the issue, and the AJP has also filed a PIL demanding action against the coal mafia.

Eight questions for the chief minister

The AJP issued eight direct questions to CM Sarma, challenging him to answer them in the Assam Assembly.

The regional party questioned: “Why has the government failed to rescue trapped miners in Umrangso?

Bhuyan also asked why are illegal rat-hole mines still operational under government patronage?

Bhuyan also asked the Chief Minister why has no action been taken against DCs, SPs, and DFOs accused of supporting illegal coal trade?

Bhuyan further questioned why has the government ignored alleged involvement of political leaders like Debolal Gorlosa, Kanika Hojai, and Tuliram Ronghang.

The AJP leader also asked the Chief Minister why has no action been taken against AGP leader Rahim Jibran, whose trucks were caught smuggling coal in Dhubri?

The AJP leader further questioned why has IFS officer Anan Natarajan not been booked despite evidence linking him to the coal syndicate.

“Why has the government remained silent on cement companies like Dalmia, Topcem, Star, and Vinay, which allegedly buy illegal coal without paying GST,” he questioned.

“Why was the owner of Star Cement awarded a Padma Shri despite a Rs 640 crore fine imposed by the NGT for illegal activities,” he further questioned.

Legal action if no assembly response

The AJP warned that if the Chief Minister does not respond to these questions in the budget session, the party will approach the courts against coal and cement companies operating illegally in Assam.

“We will not let this issue be buried under political distractions. The people of Assam deserve answers,” Bhuyan added.