All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday, 7 May launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress, alleging that the party had "turned into another Muslim League" and completely failed to serve as an effective Opposition in Assam. Ajmal made the remarks in Guwahati after securing victory from the Binakandi Assembly constituency.

Ajmal's Core Allegations Against Congress

Speaking to reporters, Ajmal accused the Congress of abandoning minority communities and indirectly bolstering the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politically in the state. "Congress can no longer function as a genuine Opposition force. It has become like another Muslim League while failing to raise the real issues of the people," he said.

He further alleged that Muslims in Assam had faced fear, insecurity, and humiliation over several years, while the Congress remained largely silent rather than mounting a strong challenge to the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Referring to political rhetoric surrounding the Miya community, Ajmal said minority voters had expected a firmer stand from the Congress but were left disappointed by what he described as the party's inaction.

AIUDF's Claim as Principal Opposition Voice

Ajmal asserted that the AIUDF would now assume the responsibility of challenging the BJP-led government inside the Assam Assembly. Despite securing only a handful of seats, he insisted the party's legislators would continue raising issues concerning minorities, eviction drives, detention centres, and the D-voter system. "Even one AIUDF MLA will be equal to a hundred voices inside the Assembly," he remarked.

According to Ajmal, the Congress leadership's failure to fill the political vacuum in the Opposition space had effectively forced the AIUDF to step forward as the primary challenger to the ruling dispensation.

Criticism of Congress Leaders

Ajmal specifically criticised senior Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi, alleging that both had failed to politically counter the BJP. He went a step further, claiming that both the Congress and the BJP had reportedly worked in coordination during the election campaign to politically weaken the AIUDF — an allegation the Congress has not publicly responded to.

This is not the first time the AIUDF has accused the Congress of soft-pedalling on minority issues in Assam. The two parties, once seen as natural allies against the BJP, have grown increasingly estranged over successive election cycles.

Internal Party Matters

On questions about leaders departing the AIUDF, Ajmal dismissed speculation, saying those who had left were removed due to organisational differences and disciplinary issues rather than any broader political crisis within the party.

With the Assam Assembly session approaching, how effectively the AIUDF translates its vocal Opposition stance into legislative pressure will be closely watched.