Palashbari BJP MLA Hemanga Thakuria has denied allegations linked to a viral audio clip that allegedly involves the demand for money in connection with land deals in the constituency. The MLA described the clip as false and said it had been deliberately edited to damage his political image.
Reacting to the controversy, Thakuria said the audio clip circulating on social media was manipulated by a person with vested political interests. He alleged that the attempt was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at maligning him ahead of upcoming political developments. According to him, the timing of the clip was not accidental.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Assam on December 20, Thakuria said more than 10,000 people from Palashbari attended the programme. He said this turnout reflected the strong support he enjoys among voters. The MLA added that several development works have been carried out in Palashbari in recent years and claimed that people continue to stand with him. 
Thakuria alleged that his growing popularity has unsettled not only opposition parties but also some individuals who aspire to contest the Palashbari Assembly seat. “Some people who dream of becoming the MLA are behind this conspiracy,” he claimed.
Questioning the land-related allegations, Thakuria asked how claims of selling 300 bighas of land in Palashbari could even arise when he does not own any land in the area. He said several former MLAs and ministers owned land in Palashbari, but not him.
The BJP legislator also targeted an unnamed individual, alleging that the person spreading the audio clip has a controversial background, including cases registered in Delhi and alleged links to cattle and betel nut syndicates. He further claimed that the same individual had earlier insulted the BJP by burning party flags, vandalising offices and showing disrespect to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s photograph.
Challenging the allegations publicly, Thakuria said the media should question the person behind the audio clip. “If he can prove his claims with facts, I am ready to resign from my MLA post,” he said.
Thakuria said that neither he nor the BJP has ever supported corrupt practices. He informed that a written complaint regarding the issue would be submitted to the state BJP president the same day. Reiterating that the audio clip was fabricated and politically motivated, the MLA said, “It is not easy to separate me from the hearts of the people of Palashbari,” claiming that nearly 90 percent of the constituency’s residents support him.
Describing himself as a long-time BJP worker, Thakuria said the party would never give a ticket to anyone who had earlier insulted the BJP and its leaders. He warned that if such a person were ever granted a ticket, he would be prepared to stage a protest in Delhi if required.
