Chhaygaon MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed Chased by Angry Villagers in Santoli Bazar

Shajid Khan reports

In an unexpected turn of events a party workers meet visit turned into a chaotic scene for Chhaygaon Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed on Wednesday evening, after a group of infuriated villagers forced him to flee Santoli Bazar in the newly formed 27-Chamaria constituency.

According to reports, MLA Ahmed was travelling toward Bodla, hundreds of residents blocked his route, shouting “go back” and accusing him of being too close to the BJP. Many in the crowd alleged that the MLA maintains friendly ties with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and labelled him a “BJP agent.”

The protesters, largely from the Bengali-speaking minority community that makes up nearly 95% of Chamaria, said Ahmed has remained silent on eviction drives, demolition of homes, and administrative pressure targeting religious minorities.

They argued that he has failed to raise these issues in the Assembly or speak out publicly. Villagers also objected to Ahmed being a “non-local”, pointing out that the region—carved out of the old
Chhaygaon and Boko seats during delimitation—has not had a truly local representative since independence.

They demanded that the Congress field a candidate from the area in the upcoming elections, claiming that reserved-seat limitations in Boko and non-local nominees in Chhaygaon have long denied them proper representation.

Caught by surprise as tempers flared, Ahmed had to withdraw from the area. Security personnel eventually escorted him out as the crowd turned increasingly hostile.