HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, July 22: In an exclusive interview with ‘The Hills Times’, Pappu Dutta, president of the Satra Mukti Sangram Samity (SMSS) Central Committee, demanded the immediate resignation of Anand Kumar Sharma, chairman of the Margherita Municipal Board.
Dutta criticised Sharma for his arrogant behaviour and misuse of power, citing several issues including improper execution of works in Margherita town. He highlighted the persistent artificial flooding in front of shops, the installation of a useless clock tower at Vineer Mill Bazaar, and the inability to control traffic snarls as examples of Sharma’s mismanagement.
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Dutta also pointed to the ongoing multi-crore drainage project, which he claimed has been constructed unscientifically, leading to severe water logging in the town. He alleged that despite the collection of various taxes from both small shopkeepers and large businessmen, these funds have not been utilised properly for development.
“It is very unfortunate that even a little rainfall results in artificial floods in Margherita town. This reflects the gross negligence of the Margherita Municipal Board,” Dutta stated. He further accused Sharma of repeatedly assaulting, humiliating, and using vulgar language towards people seeking assistance at the Municipal Board office, without facing any consequences from higher authorities.
According to Dutta, the Margherita Municipal Board is effectively run by only two individuals: chairman Anand Kumar Sharma and a field officer with the surname Nath. He warned that if Sharma does not resign promptly, SMSS members will gherao the offices of the Margherita Sub-Divisional Administration (Civil) and the Margherita Municipal Board.
Dutta thanked ‘The Hills Times’ for bringing this critical issue to light.
