Assam Civil Society Sounds Alarm on Communal Rhetoric Ahead of Elections
The Assam Civil Society has issued a stern warning on Sunday, expressing deep concern over what it describes as 'communal and provocative' speeches that threaten to polarize the people of Assam. In a significant statement, the organization has called upon all citizens to exercise their democratic rights freely, without succumbing to intimidation, provocation, or any form of inducement during the upcoming electoral process.
Allegations of Divisive Politics Revived
Representatives of the civil society have pointed fingers at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of reviving 'divisive politics' by allegedly encouraging religious polarization. They further allege that All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal has stepped forward to aid this agenda, creating a concerning political alliance.
Massadar Hussain, the general secretary of Assam Civil Society, stated, 'Ajmal, who spent most of his time outside the state when he was an MP from Assam, seems to remember Assam only during elections. To fuel the politics of polarization pursued by the CM and BJP, Ajmal has brought in Asaduddin Owaisi, a fundamentalist leader who lacks even basic knowledge of Assam’s heritage. We condemn Ajmal for inviting such a leader during a sensitive time like the elections.'
Fear-Mongering Tactics Condemned
Hussain added that the tone and message of both Owaisi and Sarma appear to be drawn from the same thread, with both leaders attempting to instil fear among the people by suggesting that Assam will have a Muslim chief minister. 'We wish to caution Owaisi against engaging in communal propaganda in the state that would aid the agenda of the ruling government,' he emphasized.
In addition to raising concerns over communal rhetoric, the civil society members have also condemned recent remarks made by Chief Minister Sarma targeting Assam Jatiya Parishad member and Guwahati Central constituency candidate Kunki Chowdhury. They termed the alleged comments against her and her family members as 'distasteful' and urged Sarma to uphold the state's political decorum.
Key Points from the Statement
- The Assam Civil Society warns against speeches aimed at polarizing voters along communal lines.
- Citizens are urged to vote freely without fear of intimidation or inducement.
- Accusations against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for reviving divisive politics.
- Criticism of AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal for inviting Asaduddin Owaisi during elections.
- Condemnation of alleged distasteful remarks against candidate Kunki Chowdhury.
This development highlights the growing tensions in Assam's political landscape as election season approaches, with civil society groups taking a firm stand to protect democratic values and social harmony.
