Assam Chief Minister Dismisses Opposition as Lacking Agenda Ahead of State Elections
In a sharp political exchange, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that the Congress-led opposition alliance has no substantive agenda to offer the people of the state, while asserting that the ruling BJP enjoys widespread support except from what he termed "Bangladeshi infiltrators." The remarks come as the state gears up for crucial elections, with polling scheduled for April 9 and counting on May 4.
Sarma's Assertion of BJP Dominance and Criticism of Congress
Speaking on Wednesday, Sarma launched a scathing attack on the opposition, stating, "They have no agenda, because in the last 60 years, what they have provided the people have seen." He emphasized the BJP's transformative impact, saying, "We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage."
The chief minister further contended that local indigenous Indian people are firmly with the BJP, adding, "No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress." In a provocative statement, Sarma questioned the Congress's viability, remarking, "Congress can't form its government in India, they can form it in Pakistan. Then how can I go to Congress? Congress can never form the government in India. When Congress's government will form that will be in either Pakistan or Bangladesh."
Congress Response and Call for Change
On the other side of the political divide, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, who leads the opposition alliance, countered Sarma's claims by highlighting a groundswell of public enthusiasm for change. Gogoi stated, "There is tremendous enthusiasm among the people because they can see that they are getting a historic opportunity to uproot the 10-year BJP government."
He accused the current administration of practicing "politics of fear" and expressed solidarity with the electorate, saying, "An opportunity is being provided to break free from it, and we stand with the people. The enthusiasm is for change. People are, in a way, imagining a new Assam."
Electoral Context and Historical Performance
The political rhetoric intensifies as Assam prepares for elections across all 126 constituencies. In the previous 2021 assembly elections, the NDA coalition—comprising the BJP, AGP, and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL)—secured a decisive victory with 75 seats, of which the BJP alone won 60.
In contrast, the Congress and AIUDF formed a grand alliance with the BPF and communist parties, but managed to win only 16 seats, reflecting a significant electoral setback. The 2021 polls saw a high voter turnout of 86.2 percent, with over 2.2 crore registered voters participating, underscoring the state's active political engagement.
As the election date approaches, both sides are ramping up their campaigns, with Sarma's comments likely to fuel further debate over issues of identity, governance, and the future direction of Assam's development.
