BJP MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi Sparks Controversy Over Development Priorities

BJP MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi has stirred controversy by stating that areas that voted for him in the Assam Assembly elections will receive priority in development projects. His remarks have raised questions about impartial governance and the potential for political bias in resource allocation. Kurmi, who recently secured his sixth consecutive term, also claimed that an astrologer predicted his continued success in politics. His comments come as he aims to focus development efforts on regions that strongly supported him, potentially sidelining those that did not. This situation has sparked discussions about the implications of linking public development to electoral support.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 18:09 IST

Political Controversy Arises from Development Comments

Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi at a felicitation ceremony in his LAC on Tuesday (Photo: Meta)

Guwahati, May 20: Recently re-elected BJP MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi has ignited a political debate by asserting that regions that supported him in the recent Assam Assembly elections will be prioritized for development initiatives.

During a felicitation event held by the Government Gaonburha Association alongside BJP members from the Mariani, Selenghat, and Koliapani mandals, Kurmi made these statements on Wednesday.

The six-time MLA, recognized for his candid and often contentious remarks, indicated that development efforts in his constituency would focus first on areas that provided him substantial electoral support.

“Those who voted for me, or the regions with the highest votes in my favor, will be prioritized for swift development. I will initiate development work gradually and only after two years in areas where I received fewer votes,” Kurmi stated.

His comments have attracted attention as they seemingly connect public development directly to electoral backing, raising concerns about fair governance and potential bias in the allocation of public resources.

However, Kurmi did not provide details regarding the specific development projects or identify which areas might experience delays.

Additionally, the BJP legislator made bold claims about his political trajectory, mentioning that an astrologer predicted he would remain an MLA for the next three terms.

“According to my astrologer, my horoscope indicates that I will continue as the sitting MLA for the next three terms, and the next MLA after me will be someone I choose,” he remarked.

In a jab at opposition parties, Kurmi asserted that his competitors have little hope of regaining power in the constituency.

“This is unfortunate news for the opposition as they are merely fantasizing. None of them will be favored by me, meaning they will not see power in the coming years,” he added.

Kurmi's statements follow his recent sixth consecutive victory from the Mariani Assembly constituency in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

On May 4, he triumphed over Raijor Dal newcomer Gyanashree Bora by a significant margin of 26,840 votes.

Kurmi first captured the Mariani seat in 2006 as a Congress candidate before transitioning to the BJP, successfully maintaining his electoral strength in the constituency despite his party changes.