Allegations of Electoral Irregularities Surface Ahead of Assam Assembly Elections
Concerns Raised Over Electoral Roll Manipulation
Guwahati, Jan 4: As the Assam Assembly elections approach, Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of the Opposition, has raised serious allegations regarding discrepancies in the electoral rolls.
During a press conference, Saikia accused the ruling BJP of planning to insert between 5,000 and 10,000 names in each constituency just before the elections to sway the results.
He claimed that a covert directive was issued to include non-Assamese voters in the electoral lists to assist the ruling party in maintaining its hold on power.
“A hidden order from the BJP aims to add at least 5,000 to 10,000 names at the last minute through non-Assamese voters, allowing them to govern for another five years without adhering to the Constitution,” Saikia stated.
He further alleged that names were being added without the consent of local residents in specific areas.
“For instance, on Tayabulla Road in Guwahati, House No. 44 and House No. 15 contain names of unfamiliar individuals. One residence alone has four names from Bihar, indicating the BJP's attempts to manipulate Assam's political scenario,” he remarked.
Saikia also criticized the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, for allegedly supporting a conspiracy against Assam, urging citizens to stay alert.
In a similar vein, senior Congress leader Ripun Bora accused the BJP of engaging in organized vote theft nationwide.
“Vote theft is being executed in a manner that goes unnoticed. Rahul Gandhi has highlighted these strategies, and now the BJP is attempting the same in Assam. It is crucial for the public to remain vigilant,” Bora emphasized.
These accusations have intensified the already heated political climate as the Assembly elections draw near.
Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi called for regional political parties to unite against what he termed a significant electoral fraud.
“Under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, following a BJP MLA meeting, party members were instructed to add approximately 10,000 votes each, which may not even belong to their constituencies. This is a grave issue that could threaten the Constitution of India,” Gogoi alleged.
Earlier, Chief Minister Sarma addressed the media during a welfare scheme event, stating that individuals with claims or objections regarding the electoral draft should register them before January 22.
“In a democratic society, there is a provision for the public to voice their concerns, and I encourage people to submit their claims to the election commission,” he added.