Guwahati, 02 September (HS): Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Wednesday said that the demographic composition of Nagaon is not in favour of his party, while acknowledging that the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency is a challenging seat. However, he expressed hope that the party would perform well in the upcoming by-election.

Speaking about the by-election, Baruah said, “Nagaon is a difficult constituency, but we have hope.”

Meanwhile, 126 ‘Orunodoi Sarathis’ have been appointed across Assam, with one Sarathi designated for each constituency. Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah inaugurated the training programme for the newly appointed Orunodoi Sarathis.

Baruah said the initiative has been taken to address difficulties faced by beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s flagship Orunodoi scheme at the grassroots level and ensure smoother delivery of its benefits.

Minister Raises Concern Over USTM Hill Cutting

Baruah also alleged that hill cutting by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has contributed to a dangerous situation in the area.

According to the minister, heavy water flow from the areas where hills have been excavated at USTM created a “sea-like situation” in Jorabat. His remarks came after visuals showing a strong flow of water from the USTM area went viral on social media.

Baruah said the visuals substantiate the “dangerous situation” earlier highlighted by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash