Bhangar: The five Independents who won in a Bhangar panchayat and represent those protesting a power substation said on Friday they would function as a "pressure group" against alleged corruption by ruling Trinamul members.
The Independents will be a minority in the Polerhat II gram panchayat - eight of the 16 seats were won uncontested by Trinamul, while it bagged three of the other eight seats.
The Supreme Court has held back the results in all uncontested seats in Bengal. It could delay the formation of the Bhangar panchayat board till the final verdict.
Even so, the Independents have vowed to play the role of a "pressure group". "People gave their verdict against the corrupt members of the earlier Trinamul-run panchayat. Poor people selected for government schemes had to pay bribes. We will ensure villagers do not have to pay a single rupee," said Mirza Hassan, secretary of the Save Land, Livelihood, House and Environment Committee.
The five represent the committee, which has spearheaded the movement against the power project.
Hassan said the newly elected members would pursue projects whose funds had not been released.
"A concrete road was sanctioned a year ago. But the funds have not been released. My prime job will be to implement the project as soon as possible," said Israfil Mollah, one of the five Independents.
He was elected from Machibhanga, the headquarters of the committee.
Ajizul Mollah, who won from Khamarait village, said he would discuss projects with villagers. "For example, if a tube-well is sanctioned in my area, I will discuss with all villagers to decide where it will be dug. The villagers' decision will be the last word."
On Sunday, the committee will hold a victory rally.
"We will demand the arrest of Hafizul Mollah's killers," said Hassan.
Hafizul was shot dead during an attack on a committee rally three days before the May 14 polls, leading to the arrest of local Trinamul strongman Arabul Islam.
Hassan also demanded the release of protesters arrested during the movement against the power project#.
