BJP to Hold Statewide Rallies Against Congress's Alleged Undermining of Democracy
BJP's Response to Congress Allegations
A file image of Assam CM Sarma during an election rally. (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Oct 12: The Assam branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to conduct peaceful demonstrations at district headquarters throughout the state, targeting what it claims are Congress's efforts to 'blackmail constitutional institutions.'
During a press briefing on Monday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of eroding India's democratic framework and disputing electoral results that do not favor them.
Sarma stated on social media that these rallies will persist until October 31, aiming to inform the public about what he perceives as Congress's attempts to pressure constitutional bodies, protect illegal immigrants by opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and undermine the electoral will of the people.
He remarked, 'Their hypocrisy is evident,' claiming that while Congress questions Narendra Modi's election as Prime Minister, it accepts Rahul Gandhi's election to Parliament and his rise as Leader of the Opposition.
'When Assam votes, the outcome is unacceptable; when Kerala votes, it is celebrated. For Congress, democracy is only valid when it results in their victory,' he added.
Sarma also took aim at the INDIA coalition's planned march to the Supreme Court after Chief Justice Surya Kant turned down a request for a meeting with opposition leaders.
'Constitutional institutions should not be held accountable for a party's electoral disappointments,' Sarma stated, accusing Gandhi of trying to apply political pressure on the judiciary.
'The people's mandate must be honored. Our institutions deserve autonomy. Neither should be subjected to political expediency,' he emphasized.
Additionally, Sarma mentioned that the rallies would reinforce the BJP's backing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his vision for a developed India by 2047.
The INDIA coalition had organized a march to the Supreme Court on Monday to present a memorandum to Chief Justice Surya Kant amid protests calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
However, the Chief Justice declined the opposition's request prior to the planned march.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge had requested a meeting between 4 pm and 5 pm to deliver the memorandum.
Their demands included an end to alleged 'vote theft,' the resignation of the CEC, a cessation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and a return to paper ballots.
Meanwhile, Delhi remains on high alert for the third consecutive day, with over 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel stationed across the capital in anticipation of the opposition's planned march.