Assam CM Criticizes Opposition for Undermining Democratic Institutions

In a recent press conference, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Opposition of attempting to undermine India's democratic institutions. Following a clarification from the Election Commission regarding the unanimous decisions on electoral rolls, Sarma demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He emphasized that the Election Commission's decisions are made collectively and questioned Gandhi's electoral record. Amidst rising criticism of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Sarma defended him against what he termed a political campaign. The situation escalated with Congress leaders detained during protests demanding Kumar's resignation, while the Cockroach Janta Party plans nationwide demonstrations if he does not resign.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 27, 2026, 13:07 IST

Sarma's Strong Remarks Against Opposition

File image of full ECI bench with CEC Gyanesh Kumar (Centre) with two other election commissioners (Photo: @ECISVEEP/X)

New Delhi, Sep 27: Following a statement from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the unanimous decisions made about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the Opposition of attempting to weaken India's democratic framework.

In a press conference held in New Delhi, Sarma claimed that the Opposition is trying to “blackmail” democratic institutions and called for an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party.

“The Opposition aims to blackmail our democratic institutions, and this tactic has become their norm. In light of the ECI's recent clarification, I urge Rahul Gandhi and Congress to apologize to the citizens of this country. They must reconsider their approach before attacking our democratic institutions,” he stated.

Sarma emphasized that decisions within the three-member Election Commission are made collectively, asserting that the ECI's clarification regarding the consensus on recent decisions only strengthens their validity.

“The commission's clarification confirms that decisions were made by consensus, which solidifies their legitimacy. Soon, they will likely target the other two election commissioners as well,” he remarked.

He also questioned Gandhi's electoral history, linking his past defeats to elections that occurred before Gyanesh Kumar took office as Chief Election Commissioner.

“Before the current Chief Election Commissioner took charge, Rahul Gandhi faced defeat in 90 elections. What credibility does he have?” he asked.

“I want to know why he lost elections prior to Gyanesh Kumar's tenure as CEC. The CEC during the 2014 elections, when Gandhi lost, was appointed by him. Was there also match-fixing involved then?” he continued.

“Was it match-fixing when Congress won in Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Rae Bareli, and Wayanad? When we win, it’s a problem, but when Congress wins, it’s as pure as the River Ganga?” he added.

Previously, Sarma defended Kumar amidst the ongoing controversy, labeling the attacks on the CEC as a “political campaign” and reiterating that the Election Commission's decisions are made collectively.

In a clarification released on Saturday, the ECI stated that the SIR order from June 24, 2025, which encompasses all States and Union Territories, starting with Bihar followed by West Bengal and 30 other States/UTs, was approved unanimously.

“This has been upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in its order dated 27.5.2026. The schedule for SIR for 12 States and UTs was issued on 27.10.2025, and for 19 States/UTs on 14.05.2026, both with the unanimous approval of the Commission,” the ECI noted.

This clarification comes amid increasing criticism directed at CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

On September 25, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and other party leaders were detained in Guwahati while attempting to march towards the Chief Electoral Officer’s office to demand Kumar’s resignation.

The Cockroach Janta Party has also declared plans for nationwide protests starting October 2 if Kumar does not step down, with the first demonstration set to take place in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti.