Akhil Gogoi Claims Election Commission Bowed to BJP Pressure for Assam Polls
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Guwahati, March 15 (NationPress) - Akhil Gogoi, the President of Raijor Dal and MLA from Sivasagar, has publicly accused the Election Commission of India of succumbing to pressures from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the scheduling of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections in a single phase. He called for a revision of the poll schedule.
In a statement to the media, Gogoi asserted that the decision to hold elections in one phase was heavily influenced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"The Election Commission's choice to conduct elections in Assam in a single phase is a result of the undue influence exerted by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Home Minister Amit Shah. We reject this decision outright," he stated.
Gogoi further emphasized that the integrity of the democratic process should remain unswayed by any political entity.
"The BJP should not dictate how the vote is cast. The Election Commission appears to be under BJP's control," he emphasized, urging the poll body to promptly reconsider its decision.
He insisted that the Election Commission should modify the election timetable and conduct the Assembly elections in Assam over three phases instead of just one.
"We demand an immediate alteration of the decision and insist that elections in Assam be held in three phases," he reiterated.
Gogoi also expressed disappointment over his unsuccessful attempts to forge an alliance with the Congress party leading up to the elections.
"I have expended my efforts trying to ally with Congress, but to no avail," he lamented, asserting that his party is fully equipped to perform strongly in the forthcoming state elections.
"Raijor Dal possesses the necessary strength to excel in the upcoming Assembly polls," he added.
Earlier on the same day, the Election Commission of India confirmed the schedule for the Assam Assembly elections, stating that the voting will occur in a single phase across the state.
The Commission noted that the counting of votes would coincide with other states where Assembly elections are slated. The elections for the 126-member Assembly in Assam are scheduled for April 9, with the counting of votes taking place on May 4.