Assam CM Sarma Highlights BJP's 5 Lakh Objections to Electoral Roll Inclusion of Suspected Migrants
Guwahati: In a significant development concerning Assam's electoral integrity, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers have submitted more than five lakh formal complaints. These objections target the inclusion of names belonging to Bangladesh-origin migrant Muslims in the state's electoral roll during the ongoing Special Revision (SR) process.
National Duty and Political Responsibility
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official event in Sivasagar district, CM Sarma emphasized that filing these complaints is not merely a political maneuver but a national responsibility for the Assamese community. He articulated, "We all in Assam know that Bangladeshi Miyas have come. If none of them receive notice in the Special Revision, it would imply there is not a single foreigner in Assam. That is why BJP workers have filed complaints wherever they suspected someone as a foreigner, and the government or the Election Commission will examine these cases."
Sarma further defended the proactive stance by stating, "If we do not file any complaints, then tomorrow people will question why there was not a single objection raised if foreigners were indeed present." He clarified that this duty extends beyond the BJP, asserting it is the responsibility of every political party and organization. However, he noted with disappointment that other parties have not filed any complaints, seemingly attempting to project that no Bangladeshi migrants exist in Assam.
BJP's Stance and Electoral Implications
The Chief Minister underscored the BJP's firm position against foreigners, stating, "BJP is against foreigners and it works in alignment with what it says." He highlighted that the substantial volume of objections reflects the party's dedicated effort to safeguard Assam's interests. "At least, BJP has tried to protect Assam and demonstrate that Assamese people have not surrendered yet," Sarma remarked, reinforcing the party's commitment to regional security and identity.
In a concerning observation, Sarma claimed that "unknown people" have recently reached several Upper Assam districts where no such "suspected individuals" resided five years ago. This statement points to ongoing demographic shifts and potential unauthorized settlements that the BJP aims to address through the electoral revision process.
Electoral Roll Statistics and Official Clarifications
Meanwhile, sources from the office of the chief electoral officer provided crucial context, noting that filing objections through Form 7 is a standard procedure during the Special Revision. They clarified that such objections do not automatically guarantee the deletion of names belonging to genuine Indian citizens, ensuring due process and verification.
According to the integrated draft electoral roll for Assam, published on December 30, the state has registered a 1.35% increase in voters. This uptick underscores the importance of meticulous scrutiny during the revision to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the voter list.
The BJP's massive filing of complaints highlights a proactive approach to electoral purity, setting the stage for heightened political discourse in Assam. As the Election Commission examines these objections, the outcomes will significantly impact voter demographics and future electoral dynamics in the state.
