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Bijni's Festival Gambling Sparks Outrage as Authorities Stay Silent

A festive tradition turns toxic as open gambling divides Bijni. Why are officials ignoring pleas to stop the spread of illegal bets?

The image shows a black and white drawing of a group of people standing around a horse-drawn cart,...
The image shows a black and white drawing of a group of people standing around a horse-drawn cart, with two oxen pulling it. In the background, there are tents, a flag, trees, and a clear sky. At the bottom of the image, there is text which reads "The Indian Market".

Bijni's Festival Gambling Sparks Outrage as Authorities Stay Silent

Gambling during festivals has become a contentious issue in Bijni, Assam. Locals are raising concerns over open betting activities at Ballamguri Kumarsali Batabari market, particularly during Kartik Puja. Despite complaints, authorities have yet to take visible action against the practice.

A recent comment by Shubhankar Ghosh, Secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India, added fuel to the debate. He compared modern gambling to the ancient game of dice in the *Mahabharata* and suggested that regulation could generate jobs. However, residents argue that tradition should not be used to justify illegal betting.

The gambling activities in Bijni have drawn criticism from many in the community. Residents worry that open betting will lead to financial losses, especially among young people and daily wage workers. Some fear the practice could worsen social problems if left unchecked.

Locals have repeatedly reported the issue to police and the local administration. Yet, no enforcement action has been seen so far. This inaction has left many frustrated, questioning why the authorities have not stepped in. Ghosh's remarks on gambling regulation have further divided opinions. While he framed it as a way to create employment, critics reject the idea of legalising betting under the guise of tradition. They insist that illegal gambling remains harmful, regardless of historical references.

The debate over gambling in Bijni continues, with residents calling for stricter enforcement. The lack of action from authorities has left the community concerned about the long-term effects on vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, Ghosh's suggestion of regulation has sparked further discussion, though many remain opposed to normalising betting.

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