Assam CM Defends Delimitation, Accuses Congress of Hypocrisy and Misinformation
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp rebuke against the Congress party on Sunday, condemning its criticism of the state's recent delimitation exercise. He accused Congress of misusing the term "gerrymandering" to deceive the public and undermine the process, which he described as essential for protecting Assamese civilization from being "devoured" by illegal migration.
Delimitation as Correction, Not Conspiracy
With opposition parties alleging that the Centre linked the Women's Quota Bill to a new delimitation exercise based on the 2011 Census to manipulate constituency boundaries for political gain through gerrymandering—a practice involving redrawing boundaries to favor specific parties—Himanta countered that Assam's delimitation was not a conspiracy but a long-overdue correction. He emphasized that it addressed decades of political neglect and vote-bank appeasement that had distorted representation in the state.
In a post on X, Himanta wrote: "For years, especially in the Lower Assam region, unchecked demographic changes reshaped constituencies while Congress and its ecosystem chose silence because it suited their electoral interests. The real distortion of representation happened then, not now."
Congress Accused of Delegitimizing Process
Himanta further accused Congress of attempting to "delegitimise" the delimitation exercise, labeling its use of "gerrymandering" as ill-informed and part of a propaganda campaign. He urged the public not to fall for such tactics, stating that the exercise reflects the aspirations of Assam's people and serves as a stop-gap arrangement to prevent civilizational erosion due to illegal migration.
"Gerrymandering — Congress’ ill-informed cabal has been excessively using this term to delegitimise Assam’s delimitation exercise and in turn misinform the nation. Don’t fall for their propaganda," Himanta added in his social media post.
Hypocrisy and Defense of Past Imbalances
The Chief Minister highlighted what he called hypocrisy from Congress leaders, now backed by the Left ecosystem, who are crying "gerrymandering" as boundaries are realigned to reflect ground realities. He argued that their opposition is not about defending democracy but about preserving a system that historically benefited them politically.
Himanta stated: "Today, when boundaries are being realigned to reflect ground realities, the same Congress leaders, backed by the Left ecosystem, are crying 'gerrymandering.' That argument is not just weak, it is outright hypocritical. They are not defending democracy; they are defending a system that benefited them politically."
Restoring Balance and Indigenous Representation
While some have criticized the 2023 Assam delimitation exercise, which guided recent assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Himanta defended it as crucial for restoring balance and safeguarding indigenous Assamese representation. He noted that the process ensures those rooted in Assam's land, culture, language, and identity are not politically sidelined in their own state.
"The truth is simple: Those opposing this exercise are uncomfortable because it challenges the very imbalance they once exploited and pushed Assam to the perils!" Himanta concluded, reinforcing his stance on the necessity of the delimitation for long-term stability and fairness in Assam's political landscape.
