In a bold accusation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has charged the Congress with tailoring its electoral strategy to capitalize on seats influenced by Bangladeshi-origin Muslims. The remarks, made during a media interaction in Guwahati on Tuesday, spotlight the intensifying pre-election tensions.
Sarma highlighted that the constituencies where Congress is fielding candidates through its alliances predominantly feature high concentrations of these groups. This approach, he argued, starkly contrasts with the aspirations of Assam’s indigenous populations. ‘People of Assam must keep a watchful eye on the seats Congress is targeting under its coalition,’ the CM advised. ‘Most are populated by Bangladeshi-origin Muslims, proving Congress isn’t with the state’s natives.’
The CM linked this to emerging electoral dynamics, noting the limited-scope rivalry with Raijor Dal’s Akhil Gogoi. Such contests reinforce his narrative of Congress’s misplaced focus. ‘From day one, I’ve said Congress isn’t tied to Assam’s roots. They’re operating from areas surrendered to Bangladeshi Muslim vote banks, ignoring strongholds like Jorhat or Dibrugarh.’
With assembly polls on the horizon, Sarma’s pointed critique amplifies the BJP’s narrative on infiltration and cultural preservation. The political discourse in Assam is heating up, as parties jockey for position in a landscape defined by demographic debates and regional loyalties. This could reshape voter alignments in the coming months.