A BJP MLA in Cooch Behar had to face angry villagers on Saturday over the Centre’s decision to freeze funds for the 100 days' job scheme.

Baren Chandra Barman, the BJP MLA of Sitalkuchi, accused Trinamul of orchestrating the protests and confining him for an hour. Trinamul leaders denied the charge and said it was a spontaneous protest by beneficiaries of the scheme.

Barman had gone to Bairagihat, a panchayat in Mathabhanga-I block, to meet BJP party worker Samir Roy whose mother died on Friday. Then, the MLA went to the house of another party worker, Sabitri Barman, in Ashokbari, and was holding a meeting with local leaders when some angry residents gathered and started shouting slogans, alleging that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had stopped funds for MGNREGS.

“Many of us worked in the job scheme but didn’t get our money. We are jobless. The MLA didn’t take any initiative and since the (2021) elections, he has hardly visited our area,” said a protester.

Barman tried to placate them but the protesters did not budge. After an hour, they allowed him to leave.

The MLA went to Mathabhanga police station and verbally informed the police about "harassment by Trinamul supporters".

Local Trinamul leaders denied the charge and said villagers were angry with the BJP MLA and the "central apathy".