Jalpaiguri, 07th September: Arabinda Gram Panchayat under Jalpaiguri Sadar Block has slipped from the control of the Trinamool Congress, with the BJP taking charge of the Pradhan and Upa Pradhan posts. BJP’s Shishir Mondal has been elected as the new Pradhan, while Tika Rautia has been elected as the Upa Pradhan.
After taking charge, Shishir Mondal entered the Pradhan’s room after its lock, which had remained closed for a long time, was opened.
According to allegations, following the political change, the then TMC Pradhan Rajesh Mondal had not been attending the panchayat office for a long time. As a result, the Pradhan’s room also remained locked, with allegations that its key could not be found.
Rajesh Mondal reportedly resigned from the post of Pradhan around a month ago, following which a situation of deadlock emerged at the panchayat. An initiative was subsequently taken to elect a new Pradhan to restore normal functioning. On Monday, the Pradhan and Upa Pradhan were elected in the presence of a government official.
BJP Jalpaiguri district committee member Manas Bhattacharya said Shishir Mondal was elected Pradhan with the support of several panchayat members, while BJP’s Tika Rautia was elected Upa Pradhan. He said people had been facing difficulties as panchayat services were disrupted and assured that government services would be provided to everyone without political discrimination under the new Pradhan’s leadership.
The BJP has also demanded an investigation into the allegations of corruption against the former Pradhan and sought legal action if the allegations are established.
