Protesters lock office in Alipurduar, BDO works from road - Trinamul-run panchayat samiti members accuse Prashanta Burman of impeding development work at the block

BDO Burman sits on the road in Kalchini on Tuesday. : Telegraph Picture

TT   |   Alipurduar   |   30.12.20 : Residents of Kalchini block in Alipurduar district were in for a surprise on Tuesday to see block development officer Prashanta Burman on the road outside his office on Tuesday afternoon to do his official work.

The reason: some members of the Trinamul-run panchayat samiti of Kalchini had locked the BDO office, alleging Burman was impeding development work at the block.

The drama unfolded at around 2pm, as panchayat samiti members locked the gate and resorted to a demonstration against the BDO.

“We have been asking BDO to invite tenders for road development and construction of embankments. The state has allotted around Rs 3 crore for such projects to be carried out in the block. He has not listened to us. We are worried because if dates of Assembly polls are announced, tenders can no longer be invited (as the model code of conduct will be enforced). That is why we demonstrated in front of his office,” said Rajkumkar Bhujel, a member of the samiti.

When the protest started, Burman was at the district magistrate’s office in Alipurduar. As he got the news, he immediately came back but found his office locked. So he sat outside the office, and met people who approached him.   

“I know my responsibilities. As I could not enter office, I did my official work sitting on the road. We are carrying out the Duare Sarkar campaign these days. I don’t know what made them close down my office,” said Burman. Seeing him squatting on the road, protesters eventually opened the gates. Burman then entered office.

Some residents and Trinamul insiders, however, said the BDO was doing his best and even going beyond the call of duty. “It seems his proactive approach is affecting the interest of some people. Otherwise, there is no reason for such protests,” said a resident.