Tensions flared at Amarpur RD Block office as Panchayat Pradhans from 10 Gram Panchayats staged a protest against BDO Sanjib Debnath, alleging delays in development projects and administrative apathy. The confrontation escalated into a heated altercation, exposing growing concerns over rural governance, project approvals, and development activities.
A major confrontation unfolded at the office of the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Amarpur Rural Development (RD) Block on Tuesday after Panchayat Pradhans representing ten Gram Panchayats staged a protest, accusing the administration of delaying development works and ignoring the needs of villagers.
The situation turned tense when the aggrieved Panchayat leaders entered the BDO’s chamber and raised concerns over what they described as a slowdown in developmental activities across rural areas under the Amarpur RD Block. The discussion soon escalated into a heated exchange of words between the elected representatives and the newly appointed BDO, Sanjib Debnath.
According to eyewitnesses, tensions reached a peak when one of the protesting Panchayat Pradhans allegedly threw a glass of water placed on the officer’s table in a fit of anger. Despite prolonged discussions, neither side could arrive at a consensus, with both parties accusing each other of failing to fulfill their respective responsibilities.
The protesting Pradhans alleged that several development-related estimates submitted by their Panchayats have remained pending for approval, resulting in delays in the implementation of essential projects related to drinking water, housing, agriculture, and rural infrastructure. They claimed that such delays were creating difficulties for local representatives who regularly face questions and complaints from residents.
Responding to the allegations, BDO Sanjib Debnath firmly rejected the claims and maintained that the administration had not withheld or rejected any estimates forwarded from the Panchayat level. He stated that he had personally visited and inspected multiple development projects across the block to monitor their progress.
“Pradhans should keep a close watch on the development projects in their respective areas. If they are not fully aware of the status of those projects, the administration alone cannot be blamed,” Debnath said. He further clarified that his remarks were not intended as allegations but as an explanation of the administration’s position.
On the other hand, Panchayat Pradhan Lata Deb expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the RD Block after the transfer of former BDO Utpal Das. According to her, Amarpur had earned recognition at the national level due to the timely implementation of rural development and sustainable growth projects under the previous administration.
She alleged that development activities had significantly slowed since the new BDO assumed charge. “Several estimates have been submitted for approval, but they are not being cleared. This is affecting the pace of development and creating frustration among villagers,” she said.
Lata Deb further argued that Panchayat representatives are directly accountable to the people and must answer their concerns daily. “Residents approach us with issues related to water supply, housing assistance, and agricultural support. If these basic problems remain unresolved, public trust in local governance will be affected,” she added.
When asked whether the local MLA had been informed about the situation, the Panchayat representatives said they had already raised the matter with the Chairperson of the Panchayat Samiti. They indicated that if the issue remains unresolved, they may approach higher authorities seeking intervention.
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The incident has highlighted growing tensions between elected local representatives and the administrative machinery in Amarpur. With both sides standing firm on their positions, residents and stakeholders now await a resolution that can restore coordination and ensure the smooth implementation of development projects across the rural block.
