Assam CM Claims Pawan Khera Tried to Contact Militant Groups to Influence Elections
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Guwahati, March 12 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has made serious allegations against Congress leader Pawan Khera, claiming that Khera attempted to connect with militant groups in the state with the intention of swaying election results. Sarma stated that multiple cases have already been filed against Khera in this regard.
During a media interaction, Sarma mentioned that approximately three to four cases have been lodged against Khera for allegedly trying to engage with militant organizations prior to the elections.
The Chief Minister hinted at potential legal ramifications for Khera after the elections conclude. “Three to four cases have already been registered in Pawan Khera's name for attempting to connect with certain militant organizations in Assam to influence the electoral results,” Sarma conveyed to the press.
He further indicated that the outcome of these cases, including any possible arrests, would only become evident once the election process is finalized.
“Who will face imprisonment? You will find out only after the elections. I believe Pawan Khera’s ultimate destination may be an Assam jail,” the Chief Minister remarked.
As of now, officials have not provided additional details regarding the specific cases referenced by Sarma.
These remarks have sparked a new political controversy ahead of the elections, with the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress exchanging accusations.
The BJP has asserted that strict measures will be enforced against any attempts to manipulate the electoral process via illegal means, while the Congress has yet to respond comprehensively to the Chief Minister’s allegations.
The allegations arise at a politically sensitive moment, as parties ramp up their campaigns in anticipation of the elections.
The elections for the 126-member Assembly are expected to occur in April or May of this year. The Congress has already released a list of 26 candidates for the upcoming elections.
In the previous elections held in 2021, the NDA coalition, which includes the BJP, AGP, and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), secured 75 seats, with the BJP being the largest partner, holding 60 seats in the assembly.