Has Congress Become a Money-Making Machine Through Ticket Sales?
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Key Takeaways
Guwahati, Jan 12 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his critique of the Congress party on Monday, claiming that ticket distribution has transformed into a money-making scheme. He alleged that high-ranking leaders are utilizing the funds for lavish wedding celebrations.
During a press conference, Sarma asserted that Congress tickets for the upcoming Assembly elections are being "purchased for cash," anticipating that the scale of these alleged transactions will be revealed once the party discloses its candidates.
“Everyone is closely observing. The amount of money exchanged by Congress for tickets will be apparent after the list is released,” he stated.
The Chief Minister maintained that even the Congress candidates would eventually come to recognize this practice.
“What I’m articulating today will be reiterated by the candidates when tickets are announced. I am speaking from credible and verified information,” Sarma noted, adding that others will soon support these claims.
On the topic of seat-sharing, Sarma mentioned it is solely the BJP's decision to determine how many seats will be allocated to its allies, including Asom Gana Parishad, Gana Shakti, and the BPF-UPPL alliance.
“The number of seats the BJP offers to AGP, Gana Shakti, or BPF-UPPL is our internal matter,” he remarked.
He similarly pointed out that it is Congress's prerogative to decide how many seats to offer to its partners, such as Raijor Dal and the Assam Jatiya Parishad.
However, he warned that there must exist a clear ethical line.
“There’s one boundary that must never be crossed - tickets should not be sold for money,” he emphasized.
Sarma further accused Congress of not limiting its fundraising practices to elections alone.
“From weddings to elections, this fundraising campaign will persist,” he stated, alleging that senior Congress members have turned the ticket distribution process into a financial scheme instead of a democratic process.
The Chief Minister’s comments arise amidst escalating political tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress as preparations for the Assembly polls intensify.