Debabrata Saikia Criticizes BJP's Governance in Assam Ahead of Elections

In the lead-up to the Assam Assembly elections, Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition, has voiced strong criticisms against the ruling BJP, accusing them of betraying the people of Assam. He highlights issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, inadequate wage increases for tea garden workers, and the failure to grant Scheduled Tribe status to several communities. Saikia also addresses the recent departures of senior Congress leaders to the BJP, asserting that these changes will not affect the party's electoral prospects. With elections scheduled for April 9, Saikia remains confident about retaining his seat despite the challenges posed by other candidates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 11:58 IST

Opposition Leader's Allegations Against BJP

Guwahati, Mar 28: Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Assam Assembly, has accused the ruling BJP of having 'betrayed' the people of Assam on various issues.

Saikia, who is the Congress candidate for Nazira, stated that the BJP's list of 'betrayals' is extensive, particularly highlighting their actions that contradict the Assam Accord by providing citizenship to specific groups.

He remarked, 'The citizens of Assam have opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) from the outset, yet the BJP ignored their concerns and proceeded with its implementation.'

Furthermore, Saikia criticized the government for only increasing the wages of tea garden workers by a mere Rs 30.

He mentioned that a committee was established in 2014 to review wages, of which he was a member. 'I raised this issue in the Assembly, but the government claimed it could not intervene as it was a matter between garden owners and laborers,' he explained.

Saikia added, 'However, just before the elections, the government raised wages by Rs 30, indicating that it can take action when it chooses to.'

He also pointed out that the BJP has not granted Scheduled Tribe status to six communities: Tai Ahom, Koch-Rajbongshi, Adivasis, Chutia, Moran, and Motok, and has failed to address the flooding issues in the state.

Regarding the departure of senior Congress leaders like Pradyut Bordoloi and Bhupen Borah to the BJP, Saikia asserted that their exit would not influence the party's electoral chances.

'They are no longer relevant, and their departure will not impact us, especially in Upper Assam,' he stated.

When asked about rumors of him joining the BJP, Saikia firmly rejected the notion.

'I am not under any pressure. I have already faced questioning from the CBI and the Income Tax department. I have no need to go through the BJP's 'washing machine',' he remarked.

Saikia also expressed concern over the lack of justice for cultural figure Zubeen Garg, stating, 'I have been advocating for public oversight of the proceedings related to the singer's case, but the government has not responded.'

He claimed that the Congress party had suggested forming a committee of notable citizens to oversee daily court proceedings and developments in the case, but this has yet to materialize.

Having won the 2021 Assembly elections by a narrow margin of just over 600 votes, Saikia expressed confidence in retaining his seat, although he acknowledged that the margin could be uncertain due to the presence of a CPI candidate.

The elections for the 126-member Assam Assembly are set for April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.