Panchayat Elections: Gaurav Gogoi Claims BJP is Targeting Opposition Candidates
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Synopsis
On April 18, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused BJP's goons of committing acts of violence against opposition candidates ahead of the Panchayat polls. He highlighted the state administration's bias and the lack of police action against BJP's actions. Chief Minister Sarma defended the election process and emphasized the need for a transparent electoral environment.
Key Takeaways
- Gaurav Gogoi accuses BJP of violence against opposition.
- State administration allegedly biased towards BJP.
- No police action taken against BJP's goons.
- Congress remains determined to confront BJP in elections.
- CM Sarma claims elections will be free and fair.
Guwahati, April 18 (NationPress) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP of utilizing their 'goons' to perpetrate violence against opposition candidates ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections.
Gogoi stated, “The state administration exhibits a clear bias in favor of the BJP, failing to take action against the ruling party's thugs. Both state Congress president Bhupen Borah and MP Pradyut Bordoloi have brought this concern to the police's attention, yet no action has been taken against the BJP's goons.”
He emphasized that Congress members will not be cowed and will confront the BJP in the elections. “Our party has a rich history of opposing the ruling government, and our workers are determined to resist the intimidation and fear tactics employed by the BJP,” Gogoi asserted.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked, “The Congress party's singular agenda is to tarnish Assam's reputation. Out of 22,000 villages, only a few isolated incidents have occurred. The Congress could have raised this with the authorities, and the state administration is prepared to take appropriate action.”
The CM reiterated the commitment to ensure that the Panchayat elections are conducted in a free and transparent manner. “Elections will be fair. We must protect Assam's image, which the Congress often seeks to undermine. If anyone is being harassed, they should report it, and we will respond promptly. However, we have not received any complaints so far,” he said.
Sarma also stressed that discussing potential winners is pointless, as it is clear who will prevail in the elections. “I encourage the opposition to unite for the Panchayat elections to gauge the public sentiment, especially with the Assembly elections approaching in Assam within a year,” he added.
