Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred political debate with his recent statement regarding the electoral victories of key opposition leaders, including Tarun Gogoi, Bhupen Bordoloi, and Akhil Gogoi. Sarma claimed that their success in past elections was largely due to what he described as a “fear factor” among minority communities. His remarks sparked a flurry of reactions, especially within the political landscape of Assam, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing political discourse in the state.
CM’s Critique of Opposition Leaders
During a press conference on May 13, CM Sarma took aim at the opposition, specifically pointing out that the success of certain leaders in previous elections could be attributed to their ability to instill fear among minority groups. Sarma, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stated that the elections in Assam were often influenced by the emotional rhetoric employed by these leaders, who strategically appealed to the minority population by playing on their fears.
“These leaders, such as Gogoi, Bordoloi, and Hussain, capitalized on the fear factor,” said Sarma. “They used fear as a tool to secure votes, making people believe that they were the only ones who could protect the minority communities.” This strategy, according to Sarma, resulted in their electoral victories in the past.
The Assam CM’s comments, which focused on the strategy used by these opposition leaders, were seen as part of the BJP’s broader narrative of presenting themselves as the only party capable of ensuring safety and development for all communities, including minorities.
The Political Context
Sarma’s statement is not without context. The political scene in Assam has been highly polarized in recent years, especially with the issue of illegal immigration, the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The BJP, which has been in power in Assam, has often been accused by opposition leaders of targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims, with policies that many argue undermine their rights.
In contrast, opposition parties like the Indian National Congress (INC) and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) have gained considerable traction by positioning themselves as defenders of minority rights. This strategy, Sarma suggests, is not based on genuine concern but on fearmongering to secure political power.
Minority Fears and Political Manipulation
The Chief Minister went on to elaborate that the “fear factor” did not just revolve around personal safety but also economic insecurity. According to Sarma, opposition leaders in Assam, particularly from the Congress and the AIUDF, have often painted the BJP as a party that could harm the interests of the minority community, causing economic and social upheaval. These fears were further amplified through social media and public rallies, where emotional appeals were made to voters, particularly in areas with significant Muslim populations.
Sarma stated that while his government has worked to ensure peace and development for all communities, it is essential to confront what he called the “political games” played by the opposition. The BJP, according to Sarma, is committed to a governance model that transcends identity-based politics, focusing instead on development, security, and prosperity for every section of the population.
The Role of BJP in Assam’s Development
Sarma emphasized that the BJP’s rise in Assam should be seen as a result of its development agenda rather than fear-based politics. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government, Assam has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, with a focus on creating opportunities for all communities.
The CM also referred to the success of the BJP in recent elections as evidence of the electorate’s shift towards more pragmatic concerns, such as jobs, infrastructure development, and security, over divisive and fear-driven politics. According to Sarma, the BJP’s approach has resonated with the people of Assam because it offers a vision of inclusive development that prioritizes peace and prosperity.
Reactions from Opposition Leaders
Sarma’s comments have been met with criticism from opposition leaders, who have called his remarks “baseless” and “divisive.” Akhil Gogoi, the leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), dismissed Sarma’s claims, accusing him of trying to deflect attention from the BJP’s failures in governance. Gogoi and other opposition leaders maintain that their political success stems from their dedication to the rights of the people and their ability to address issues of economic and social justice.