Future of Assam hinges on secularism, says state Congress chief Bhupen Borah

GUWAHATI: Accusing Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of attempting to divide voters along religious lines, state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah asserted that Assam’s future hinges on secularism.

In an interview with PTI, Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah emphasized on the importance of unity for the state’s progress, dismissing CM Sarma’s alleged polarization tactics.

“If Assam desires peace and development, it must embrace the Congress and Gandhian principles,” Borah stated, underscoring the party's commitment to fostering unity and progress in the region.

Borah went on to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of relying on “money power, individual beneficiary schemes, communalism, and media manipulation” to sway voters.

Despite these tactics, he claimed that the Congress continues to garner significant support on the ground in Assam.

Pointing to unfulfilled promises by the BJP, including addressing price rises, creating job opportunities, and granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam, Borah highlighted disillusionment among the electorate.

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Addressing defections from the Congress party in Assam, Borah acknowledged some discontent over ticket distribution but noted similar issues within the BJP.

He defended the party’s selection process, citing examples of transparent candidate nominations.

The Assam Congress leader alleged that the delimitation exercise favoured the BJP’s interests, although he downplayed its significance compared to pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and the Assam Accord’s implementation.

Asserting the Congress’s “strong position” in Assam, Borah acknowledged a “trust deficit” among the electorate, which he aimed to address.

He criticized senior Assam Congress leaders defecting to the BJP, expressing confidence in retaining loyal party members.