HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 16: Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan was questioned for over five hours on Monday by the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell (SVC) in connection with alleged irregularities in the use of MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds.
The veteran journalist-turned-politician expressed surprise over the summons and later accused the state government of using the vigilance unit as a tool for political harassment.
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Speaking to reporters after the interrogation, Bhuyan said he had faced close to 30 questions related to developmental projects under the scheme. “I had just one answer for all of them,” he remarked. “I have always cooperated with the authorities, and I will continue to do so.”
However, Bhuyan did not hold back in criticising the intent behind the probe, calling it part of a larger campaign to stifle opposition voices ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
“The CM Vigilance has been weaponised. It’s functioning like the Chief Minister’s personal strike force to target political opponents,” he alleged.
He also sought to clarify the role of MPs in the MPLADS process, pointing out that Members of Parliament are only responsible for recommending projects, while implementation is carried out by the district administration.
“The MP’s role ends at the recommendation stage. It is the District Commissioner who oversees execution. If there are any irregularities, they should be held accountable, not the MP,” Bhuyan said, questioning the rationale behind the investigation.
He further challenged why district officials involved in implementation had not been summoned or scrutinised.
“Only the DC knows who was assigned what task and how. Ask them—that’s where the answers lie,” he said.
Bhuyan, a vocal critic of the current state leadership, suggested that the probe was designed to discourage dissent and opposition unity.
“Whenever opposition voices begin to align, investigations and harassment follow. This is nothing but political vengeance,” he asserted.
Raising the issue of selective targeting, Bhuyan questioned the vigilance body’s inaction in cases involving ruling party leaders.
“Why does CM Vigilance stay silent when BJP leaders face similar allegations? But when it’s Ajit Bhuyan, they’re suddenly wide awake,” he said.
In a pointed conclusion, Bhuyan questioned the absence of scrutiny toward the state’s top leadership.
“If corruption is truly being investigated, let’s start at the top. What about the Chief Minister and his family? Why are they never probed? Why does the Vigilance Cell fall silent when real questions are raised?”
Reacting to the allegations, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters that he respects the MP, but defended the inquiry.
“I respect him, but the road project that he had recommended does not exist,” Sarma told reporters.
“These people carry a very good face value in front of the public. In this case, only his statement was pending. After this, the report will be submitted to the court. Many ACS officers have already been terminated from service after being found guilty in the case,” the CM said.
The investigation was initiated following media reports in February 2023, which alleged widespread corruption and misappropriation of MPLAD funds during 2021–22 and 2022–23.
A regular inquiry was launched by the SVC. As a result, several Assam Civil Services (ACS) officers were suspended, and some were later dismissed for their involvement in the scandal.
The Vigilance Cell has yet to issue a public statement on the questioning or the status of the case. (With inputs from PTI)
