Assam CM Critiques Congress for Elitism and Reliance on Muslim Votes

In a recent statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the Congress party for its elitist nature and reliance on Muslim votes for political survival. He highlighted the party's failure to embrace leaders from humble backgrounds and pointed out that their existence in Assam is heavily dependent on support from the Muslim community. Sarma's remarks also included reflections on his own political journey, emphasizing the need for merit and grassroots leadership in politics. This critique raises questions about the Congress party's future in the state and its ability to connect with ordinary voters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2025, 16:06 IST

Chief Minister's Criticism of Congress

Guwahati, June 22: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, launched a scathing critique of the Congress party on Saturday, labeling it as fundamentally elitist and asserting that its political survival in Assam hinges on support from the Muslim community.

During a press interaction, Sarma pointed out that Congress has consistently failed to embrace leaders from humble backgrounds, irrespective of their political achievements or popularity.

“The question of whether Bhupen Borah will join the BJP is a different issue,” Sarma stated.

“However, Congress will persist in belittling and marginalizing him, just as it has done with numerous others. The party is incapable of accepting leaders from ordinary families, regardless of their stature,” he added.

Reflecting on his own political experiences, Sarma remarked, “I exemplify how Congress treats individuals from common backgrounds. Bhupen Borah is likely to face the same fate. This is a critical flaw in the Congress framework; it is not designed for the common populace but rather favors political dynasties.”

He further asserted that the Congress party's political viability in Assam is largely dependent on votes from the Muslim community.

“If the Muslim community withdraws its support, Congress would struggle to secure any votes in Assam. Their entire political foundation in the state relies on this singular support base. Ordinary voters outside this demographic would not back them,” Sarma claimed.

In a jab at the party's leadership structure, Sarma noted, “There is no other political organization globally where both the state party president and the opposition leader are sons of former ministers. This speaks volumes. There is no space for merit or grassroots leadership within Congress.”

Despite his harsh critique, Sarma acknowledged that some ordinary individuals still remain within Congress. “Their presence is due to their admiration for the children of influential figures. This admiration is what sustains the party, rather than any ideology or commitment to inclusive politics,” he concluded.