Political Drama: Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha's Controversial Cheque Distribution in Katigorah Sparks Allegations of Self-Interest and Lack of Transparency

Once believed to be the voice of the Bengalis of Barak and a strong member of the opposition in the Assam Assembly has now quit the Congress Camp and showed a unique closeness with the BJP. He is none other than North Karimganj MLA, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha. For his self-interest, he has not joined the BJP officially, but the “Kamal” in his name resonates with the ideologies of the saffron camp now. Currently going through a political “midlife crisis”, he is lobbying for the ticket from the Katigorah constituency of Cachar.

On Saturday, MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha distributed cheques from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund among critically ill patients in Katigorah. And just two days later, on Tuesday, MLA Khalil Uddin Mazumdar also distributed cheques. The difference, however, is that the Disaster Management Department has no information regarding Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha’s cheque distribution. They are unaware of it. Meanwhile, the local MLA’s cheque distribution was done through this department as usual. Khalil Uddin Mazumdar has alleged that Kamalakhya came to Katigorah and distributed cheques meant for South Karimganj.

Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha is the MLA of North Karimganj. Although he hasn’t officially left the Congress, his closeness with the Chief Minister is well-known. There are speculations that he might join the BJP anytime. His fondness for Katigorah has grown since his ties with the Chief Minister deepened. Last Saturday, along with a few local leaders, he distributed financial aid cheques from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to 78 patients suffering from critical illnesses. The conference hall of the Katigorah Circel Office’s office was chosen as the venue. Two days after Kamalakhya’s distribution, local MLA Khalil Uddin Mazumdar conducted a similar distribution event at the same venue, where he handed over financial aid cheques to 16 patients suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses. The event was overseen by Bishal Chakraborty, the field officer of the Disaster Management Department in Katigorah.

When journalists asked him about Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha’s cheque distribution, he stated that he had no information about it. Usually, such cheques are distributed through the Disaster Management Department, but he was not informed about Kamalakhya’s cheque distribution and hence couldn’t comment further.

Local MLA Khalil Uddin Mazumdar has tried to raise concerns about Kamalakhya’s actions. He alleged that Kamalakhya distributed cheques meant for South Karimganj in Katigorah and also accused him of distributing cheques not only among critically ill patients but also among his political cadres. He further stated that while it is good if the critically ill people of Katigorah receive the cheques, there should be official information about who received them. However, no such information exists at the local Circle Office. Khalil expressed the need to ensure that the cheques are not being distributed to political cadres instead of sick people. As an opposition MLA, Khalil said they receive fewer benefits, but if Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha works in the area, it would benefit the people of Katigorah. He even urged for monthly cheque distributions.

Khali Uddin Mazumdar addressing the media, stated rhat he only wishes to confirm if the cheque distribution from this circle office, done by Kamalakhya, had been properly recorded. He explained that for the cheques Mazumdar had distributed, complete records were kept, detailing the beneficiaries and all relevant information. However, there seems to be no such documentation regarding Kamalakhya’s cheque distribution.

Mazumdar stressed that having the records would help ensure that the cheques reached those in genuine need, rather than being handed out to some of Kamalakhya’s associates. He emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in the process.

Nevertheless, Khalil’s remarks have raised questions about Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha’s vested intentions in Katigorah.