Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has described the upcoming Behali bypolls as a “prestige battle” orchestrated by a prominent Congress dynast. The bypoll, which has gained significant political attention, is seen as more than just a routine election but as a fierce contest for control and influence within the state’s political landscape. Sarma’s remarks reflect the intense competition between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, with the latter’s dynastic leadership at the center of the debate.
The Behali assembly seat, located in the state’s Sonitpur district, fell vacant after the resignation of Congress MLA Rajen Borthakur. His departure from the party has added fuel to an already heated political environment, with both major parties looking to capitalize on the vacancy. Sarma has accused the Congress of attempting to elevate the importance of the bypoll, making it a matter of prestige for the party’s leadership. According to him, the Congress is focusing too much on its dynastic politics, which he argues is a desperate attempt to maintain its influence in the region. Sarma’s criticism points to the larger issue of political dynasties in India, which continues to be a contentious subject.
In his statement, Sarma emphasized that the Congress has been unable to shed its dynastic politics and continues to rely on family legacies for political clout. He argued that Congress’s dynastic politics do not serve the best interests of the people and prevent the rise of new leaders who can bring fresh perspectives and developmental ideas to the table. He further claimed that Congress’s strategy for the Behali bypoll is nothing but a fight for the prestige of its senior leadership, particularly the influence of the Gandhi family, which continues to hold sway over the party’s decisions and strategies.
Sarma’s comments have sparked reactions from various political quarters, with Congress leaders asserting that the bypoll is not a personal battle but rather a contest for the state’s future. They argue that the BJP, under Sarma’s leadership, has failed to address several key issues in Assam and that the Congress is the only party capable of restoring governance and ensuring the state’s progress. The Congress leadership has denied that the bypolls are about dynastic politics, stating that it is simply a fight for the development and welfare of the people of Behali.
The bypoll is also seen as a test of political loyalties. Congress’s candidate for the seat, the well-known local leader, has deep roots in the constituency, which has traditionally been a Congress stronghold. On the other hand, the BJP is trying to make inroads into a region that has long been dominated by Congress. Sarma, who has transformed the BJP’s presence in Assam, is looking to add another feather to his cap by securing the Behali seat for his party. A victory would be seen as an affirmation of the BJP’s growing influence and the continued support for Sarma’s leadership in the state.
Despite the political rhetoric, both parties are engaging in extensive campaigning, focusing on local issues that matter most to the people of Behali. While Sarma has championed the BJP’s development agenda, emphasizing the party’s work on infrastructure and welfare schemes, the Congress is looking to highlight the failures of the state government, particularly in sectors like education, healthcare, and employment.
The Behali bypoll has become more than just a routine election, as it encapsulates the broader political struggle between the two parties. Sarma’s accusation of Congress turning the election into a “prestige battle” reflects the high stakes involved, not only for the party’s image but also for the future direction of Assam’s politics. Both the BJP and Congress are pushing hard to secure the seat, aware that the outcome could significantly impact their standing in the upcoming state elections. With the bypoll set to take place soon, all eyes will be on Behali as it serves as a barometer of Assam’s political landscape in the current climate.
