Assam Congress Leader Should Approach Panchayat Elections with Full Resolve: Minister
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Synopsis
Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah challenges Congress leader Bhupen Borah's claims of BJP's fear tactics ahead of upcoming panchayat polls, urging a united opposition while addressing allegations of violence against opposition candidates.
Key Takeaways
- Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah criticizes Bhupen Borah.
- BJP accused of using intimidation tactics in elections.
- Gaurav Gogoi claims violence against opposition candidates.
- CM Himanta Biswa Sarma defends BJP's actions.
- Panchayat elections scheduled for May 2 and May 7.
Guwahati, April 19 (NationPress) Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, on Friday, made a pointed remark towards State Congress President Bhupen Borah, following Borah's allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party is employing fear tactics ahead of the panchayat elections.
Borah claimed that BJP leaders are attempting to instill fear in opposition candidates, pressuring Congress candidates to retract their nominations.
In response to these allegations, Mallabaruah stated, "Bhupen Borah has a pattern of scripting accusations before every election, shifting blame onto others. This is his usual behavior. I would strongly encourage him to enter the elections with full vigor. It would also be beneficial for all opposition parties to unite and challenge us collectively. A robust opposition is always preferable to a feeble one in politics."
On another note, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has also claimed that the BJP's "goons" are perpetrating violence against opposition candidates in the lead-up to the panchayat elections.
Gogoi remarked, "The state administration shows partiality towards the BJP, failing to act against the ruling party's goons. State Congress President Bhupen Borah and MP Pradyut Bordoloi have brought this matter to the attention of the police, yet no measures have been taken against the BJP's thugs."
He further asserted that Congress members will not be intimidated and are determined to contest the elections against the BJP.
"Our party has a rich history of standing up against the ruling government, and our workers are resolute in resisting the intimidation and fear tactics employed by the BJP," Gogoi added.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, "The Congress party's sole agenda is to undermine Assam's reputation. While there are approximately 22,000 villages in the state, only a couple of isolated incidents have occurred in certain areas. The Congress could have reported these to the administration, which would have ensured appropriate action."
The CM reaffirmed that the panchayat elections in the state will be carried out in a free and transparent manner.
"Elections will be conducted fairly. The reputation of Assam must not be compromised, and the Congress party consistently attempts to do so. If any individual is facing harassment, a complaint should be filed, and we will respond promptly. However, we currently have no such reports. No candidate has submitted a complaint to the administration," he emphasized.
The panchayat elections are scheduled to take place in two phases in Assam on May 2 and May 7.
