Congress Accuses BJP and AIUDF of Collusion Ahead of Nagaon Bypoll
Allegations of Understanding Between Parties
Mira Borthakur and Gaurav Gogoi at the Rajiv Bhawan on Tuesday (AT Image)
Guwahati, Sept 15: On the eve of the nomination deadline for the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, the Congress party has leveled accusations against the BJP and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), claiming they share a covert alliance. The party is confident that its candidate, Sibamoni Bora, will successfully hold onto the seat.
During the 42nd foundation day celebration of the All India Mahila Congress at Rajiv Bhawan, Congress leader Mira Borthakur voiced these allegations.
Borthakur pointed out that AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal's participation in the Nagaon race suggests a collaboration between the AIUDF and the ruling BJP.
“Prior to our candidate's announcement, AIUDF had already put forth Rejaul Karim Sarkar. Subsequently, Badruddin Ajmal's son was also considered but later withdrawn. Once it became clear that our candidate was formidable, Ajmal himself entered the fray. This indicates a partnership between BJP and AIUDF,” she claimed.
She further alleged that Ajmal's political maneuvers are influenced by his business interests, including international ventures.
“Ajmal must safeguard his business interests, which include international dealings. To ensure these interests are protected, he will align with the ruling government and comply with their directives,” she asserted.
Borthakur also raised concerns regarding the BJP's choice to nominate Devashish Sharma, a former district commissioner of Nagaon, questioning the integrity of the electoral process given his previous role in overseeing elections in the district.
She clarified that her objection is not personal against Sharma but rather about the implications of his past position as an election officer in Nagaon while now contesting from the same area.
“We are not opposed to Debashish Sharma personally. Our concern lies in how he has leveraged his significant position. If he had served as the DC of a different district and then contested from Nagaon, we would not have raised any issues. However, he was the election officer in Nagaon and is now running as a BJP candidate from that same district. That is our contention,” she explained.
Additionally, she questioned the conditions surrounding Sharma's resignation and its acceptance, suggesting that these matters should be scrutinized prior to the election.
“For a fair election, these issues must be addressed. An election officer who has managed elections in a district should not immediately run for election from that same district. There are valid concerns regarding the process,” Borthakur stated.
Despite these challenges, she expressed optimism about Bora's chances, indicating that the party anticipates support from various communities.
“Nagaon is a Congress stronghold, and we will emerge victorious. We are a secular party and will garner support from diverse communities. For us, every voter, whether Hindu or from any other community, is equally important,” she remarked.
With the BJP, AIUDF, and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) also contesting, the Nagaon bypoll is evolving into a competitive four-way race. Nevertheless, Borthakur remains confident in Congress's support base and predicts a significant win for Bora.