GUWAHATI: In a strategic move, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced his intention to request the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the Lok Sabha election phases in the state before mid-April.
Speaking to the press, he stressed the cultural significance of holding elections before Bohag Bihu, allowing the people to revel in the festivities without any political disruptions.
“Given the atmosphere in Assam, elections are generally held in the state before the Bohag Bihu. I will request the Election Commission of India to hold the Lok Sabha poll phases in Assam before April 14, 2024. This will allow the people of the state to celebrate the Bohag Bihu with fanfare,” said Chief Minister Sarma.
Responding to queries about the BJP’s preparedness for the Lok Sabha elections, Sarma exuded confidence, stating, “Yes, we are ready. We have no problems in Assam. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the BJP will ensure a massive win all over India.”
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s recent Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam, Chief Minister Sarma slammed the Congress leader for allegedly overlooking key cultural and religious sites during his visit.
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Sarma claimed, “His craze for a visit to Batadrava Than was nothing but a ploy to grab media attention and to create unrest in Assam.”
Highlighting Gandhi’s bypassing of significant landmarks such as Barpeta Xatra, Hajo Poa Mecca, Hayagriva Madhav Mandir, and Kamakhya Temple, Sarma suggested that the visit was politically motivated.
“If he had respect for Srimanta Sankardev, he would have visited Barpeta Xatra. His purpose was to create unrest in the state, but we have foiled his motive,” asserted Sarma.
Earlier on January 23, the BJP government in Assam filed a case against Gandhi, accusing him of inciting violence and employing “Naxalite tactics” to disturb peace in Guwahati.
The case was registered after a clash broke out between Congress workers and security personnel when Gandhi, leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Meghalaya, attempted to enter Guwahati from Khanapara.
“Rahul was inciting the mob standing near his vehicle. Hence, we have filed a criminal case against him. The police will take appropriate measures based on investigation and inquiries. We will arrest him after the Lok Sabha elections,” he had said.
