Congress national spokesperson Charan Singh Sapra condemned the governance of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government, accusing it of eroding the democratic fabric of the state. He claimed that the government had turned Assam into a “Thoktantra” (rule of force) rather than upholding the ideals of “Loktantra” (democracy). The remarks came in response to recent incidents in the state, where opposition leaders and activists have raised concerns over the growing suppression of dissent, police actions, and the erosion of civil liberties.
Sapra’s attack was sharp and direct as he outlined various events that, according to him, demonstrated how the BJP government in Assam was increasingly moving towards authoritarian practices. He criticized the government’s approach to dealing with protests and opposition, claiming that forceful measures were often employed instead of engaging in dialogue. The Congress spokesperson argued that under Sarma’s leadership, the state had seen an alarming rise in incidents of police brutality, unjust detentions, and an environment where the government had failed to protect fundamental democratic rights.
Sapra pointed to several recent examples, such as the treatment of student unions, activists, and political figures. He accused the government of curbing the freedom of expression and pressuring independent voices who sought to highlight issues like rising unemployment, economic distress, and the controversial handling of various social policies. According to Sapra, the administration’s focus on centralizing power and minimizing opposition voices had shifted the state away from democratic principles.
The Congress spokesperson highlighted specific cases where people, particularly those in opposition, faced heavy-handed tactics by the government. The situation, he stated, has created an environment where dissent is silenced through coercion and intimidation. He emphasized that a democracy should foster an open exchange of ideas and opinions, but under the present leadership, people are afraid to speak their minds, fearing consequences.
Sapra also discussed the state of civil liberties in Assam, stating that the administration had engaged in surveillance activities to track and monitor political opponents. Such actions, he argued, were reminiscent of an undemocratic regime where the voices of dissent were systematically silenced. He further accused the state government of taking steps to undermine the role of the judiciary, making it more difficult for individuals to seek justice in cases of police overreach.
The Congress spokesperson did not stop at merely criticizing the state’s internal issues. He also turned his focus to the wider impact that these practices might have on Assam’s future. Sapra warned that the continued deterioration of democratic structures could destabilize the region and deter investment, making it more challenging for the state to achieve its socio-economic goals. The state’s international image, he added, would suffer if the government’s actions were seen as a departure from democratic ideals.
Sapra’s statement was a call to action for the people of Assam to stand up against the erosion of democratic rights. He urged the citizens of Assam to join hands and ensure that the state’s future is built on the foundations of democracy and justice. He also demanded that the central government intervene to protect the rights of the people and restore democratic norms.
The Congress has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to the ruling BJP government, particularly in states like Assam, where the party has maintained a firm hold on power. The accusations of “Thoktantra” reflect the growing frustration within the opposition, which views the ruling party’s policies as an attempt to consolidate power at the expense of democratic processes.
In response to these allegations, the Assam BJP has dismissed the Congress claims, asserting that the current government is committed to maintaining law and order and promoting development in the state. The party’s leaders have argued that the administration’s focus on tackling corruption, improving infrastructure, and addressing public grievances is a testament to their commitment to democratic governance.
The debate between the Congress and BJP continues to intensify as both parties gear up for the upcoming elections. The accusations made by Sapra have sparked discussions about the future of democracy in Assam, with political observers closely monitoring how the situation unfolds in the coming months.
