Shivakumar Accuses Assam CM of Emotional Politics on Bangladeshi Issue
In a fiery election campaign speech in Guwahati, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president DK Shivakumar launched a sharp critique against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of exploiting emotional sentiments regarding the Bangladeshi issue in Assam. Speaking at a rally for Congress's Dispur candidate Mira Borthakur Goswami, Shivakumar emphasized the Congress party's historical contribution to regional security.
Congress's Role in Bangladesh Creation Defended
Shivakumar firmly stated that the Congress-led government played the pivotal role in the creation of Bangladesh specifically to safeguard India's national interests. "Your chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, consistently speaks about Bangladeshis," Shivakumar declared. "We created Bangladesh to protect India. Examine historical records and data; he is merely attempting to manipulate emotions. Now, he claims he will expel all Bangladeshis," he added, challenging Sarma's narrative.
Confident Predictions for Assam Election Results
Addressing the electoral battle, Shivakumar dismissed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's forecast of a two-thirds majority for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Assam. "We assure you the BJP will secure only one-third of the seats, while Congress will achieve a two-thirds majority," he asserted confidently, rallying support for the Congress party in the upcoming polls.
Chargesheet Controversy and Candidate Critique
In Dispur, Goswami is contesting against BJP's Pradyut Bordoloi, a former Congress member who recently switched allegiance. Shivakumar took a direct jab at Bordoloi, highlighting his involvement in preparing Congress's chargesheet against the Himanta government. "Sarma has failed to provide answers to the chargesheet," Shivakumar noted. "I demand that he respond to the people regarding the allegations in the chargesheet prepared by their own candidate, or let Bordoloi address it himself, since he authored it," he insisted.
Congress's Vision for Inclusive Governance
Shivakumar outlined the Congress party's commitment to inclusive politics, emphasizing benefits for youth, women, and all societal segments. "When Congress assumes power, every caste, creed, and religion will experience the privileges and empowerment of our government," he promised, contrasting this with what he described as divisive policies.
Allegations of Unfulfilled BJP Promises
The Karnataka leader leveled serious accusations against the BJP government in Assam, citing unkept electoral promises. "BJP initially pledged 1 lakh employment opportunities annually during the last Assam election," Shivakumar recalled. "This administration has failed to deliver even 10% of those jobs. Tea garden workers lack guaranteed dignified wages, and the double-engine government has not granted Scheduled Tribe status to six Assam communities," he questioned, highlighting perceived governance failures.
Congress's Legacy of Historic Schemes
Shivakumar concluded by championing Congress's track record, from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to healthcare initiatives and food security programs. "Only Congress can introduce transformative schemes that benefit all sections of society," he affirmed, positioning the party as the true advocate for progressive policies in Assam.
