Assam CM Criticizes Protests Against Election Commissioner, Calls for Support of Democracy
Protests and Political Accusations
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Oct 12: As demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar persist in New Delhi, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has labeled these actions as attempts to instigate a regime change in India, drawing comparisons to political situations in Nepal and Bangladesh.
During a press conference at Loksewa Bhawan in Guwahati, Sarma accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of trying to weaken democratic institutions and mislead party members whenever he faces electoral setbacks or anticipates losses.
“This movement aims to bring about a regime change in India without the backing of the populace. It is fueled by foreign entities that do not wish to see India prosper,” Sarma stated.
He attributed the protests to the discontent of what he termed “dimagi naxals,” asserting that the government's efforts against Naxalism, the restoration of peace in the Northeast, and military actions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have fortified the nation.
“Whenever Rahul Gandhi faces defeat in elections or senses an impending loss, he resorts to such tactics to mislead unsuspecting Congress workers,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Sarma questioned the organizational capability of the Congress party, claiming that they lacked polling agents at over 70% of polling stations during the recent Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll.
“While BJP, AIUDF, and independent candidates had agents in place, Congress struggled to fill these roles,” Sarma noted.
He further alleged that the demonstrators in New Delhi were being transported from Assam and other regions, asserting that Gandhi does not possess the manpower or public backing to maintain the protests.
“He lacks both manpower and support. Gandhi merely seeks to intimidate our democratic institutions. They aim to instill fear in the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India,” Sarma added, emphasizing that the public would resist Gandhi's maneuvers.
Addressing Gandhi's election certificate from Wayanad, Sarma questioned why the Congress leader had not returned it as a form of protest.
The Chief Minister also challenged Congress legislators from Assam who joined the protests to resign, arguing that they were elected during Gyanesh Kumar's tenure as Chief Election Commissioner.
“Electronic voting machines were introduced under a Congress-led administration, not by the BJP,” Sarma highlighted.
Additionally, Sarma expressed his willingness to participate in elections using ballot papers in Assam if the Kerala government were to resign.
In related news, the Assam BJP plans to hold peaceful marches in support of democracy at district headquarters throughout the state starting October 13.