Alka Lamba Accuses Assam CM Sarma of Election Defeat Acceptance and Religious Manipulation
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New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, claiming he has conceded defeat prior to the elections and is soliciting votes using religion and Pakistan as tools, while emphasizing that her party refrains from such tactics.
Lamba's comments follow Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's dismissal of Sarma's accusations linking him and his wife to Pakistan as a mere fantasy in the Chief Minister's mind.
Gogoi stated that these allegations reveal the Chief Minister’s vulnerability and the lengths he is willing to go concerning a serious issue like national security. Sarma has targeted Gogoi and his British spouse, Elizabeth Clare Gogoi, claiming connections with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, and has even established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the matter.
In a conversation with IANS, Lamba remarked: "The Assam Chief Minister has effectively acknowledged defeat even before the elections. We nominated a woman candidate to contest against him, yet he approached the Election Commission to have her candidacy invalidated. This speaks volumes about his fear and insecurity. He is seeking votes by invoking religion and Pakistan, whereas we do not engage in such politics."
She further condemned the frequent invocation of Pakistan in political discussions, asserting that her party does not use such matters to garner votes. Drawing on historical references, she noted how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was instrumental in Bangladesh's liberation from Pakistan and questioned the current political rhetoric.
Lamba also urged against inciting communal tensions, stating: “Have some shame. Do not ignite Assam with communalism. If you wish to discuss Pakistan, then question the Prime Minister about why those implicated in the Pahalgam incident remain unpunished. You lack the courage to raise such inquiries.”
Elections for the 126-member Assam Assembly are scheduled for April 9, with vote counting on May 4.