Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, holding it responsible for the delay in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in the state. Speaking at a press event, Sarma said he would not apologize for the mistakes of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. And accused Congress leaders of misleading the people on the issue.
Sarma reaffirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is committed to fulfilling its promise of granting ST status to six communities, including Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Moran, Motok, Chutia, and Tea Tribes. He said the groundwork has already been completed. And the proposal is with the central government for approval.
Bodoland Territorial Council Elections on the Horizon
Sarma’s remarks come ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. Where the BJP is seeking to strengthen its presence in Bodoland. Dismissing Congress as “irrelevant” in the polls, Sarma said the real contest will be between the BJP, United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF).
He accused the Congress party of ignoring the demands of marginalized communities during its decades in power, arguing that the BJP is now working to undo historical injustices.
Historical Context of the ST Status Demand
The demand for ST status by the six communities is a long-standing issue in Assam. These communities have been seeking recognition to ensure socio-economic upliftment. And, greater representation in education, jobs, and politics.
While the Congress party had repeatedly assured these communities of ST status, no concrete action was taken during its tenure. Sarma has sought to portray this as a failure of the previous administration. Positioning the BJP as the party that is addressing long-neglected demands.
BJP’s Strategy in Assam
The BJP has been actively working to expand its support base in Assam, particularly among indigenous and tea garden communities. Sarma emphasized that his government’s policies are focused on inclusive development, tribal welfare, and cultural preservation.
Political analysts say the ST status issue is a key election plank for the BJP, which aims to consolidate. Its hold on ethnic communities ahead of both state and council elections. Furthermore, the upcoming BTC elections are seen as a crucial battleground for all major political parties in Assam.
Sarma’s Strong Words Against Congress
Sarma accused the Congress leadership of playing politics with the ST status demand while doing little to advance the cause. He said, “Why should I apologize for Tarun Gogoi’s mistakes? Congress had the time, the power, and the mandate to solve this issue, but they failed.”
The Chief Minister claimed that under his leadership, Assam has made significant progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and tribal welfare. He also pointed out that the BJP government is actively collaborating with the central government to ensure that the pending ST status proposal gets approved soon.
Communities Awaiting Recognition
The six communities seeking ST status make up a significant portion of Assam’s population, with deep historical and cultural ties to the region. Recognition under the ST category would open doors for them in terms of educational reservations, job opportunities, and access to government welfare schemes.
Activists and community leaders have been urging the government to expedite the process. Noting that delays have caused economic hardships and social inequalities for generations.
Political Stakes in Bodoland
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) has been a focal point of Assam’s political landscape, with multiple ethnic and tribal groups vying for representation. The BJP has been working to strengthen its position in the BTR by forming alliances. And, addressing key demands, including tribal recognition and development projects.
By attacking Congress and bringing the ST status issue to the forefront. Sarma appears to be appealing to communities that have long felt marginalized. Additionally, political observers believe this could help BJP gain a stronger foothold in the BTC polls.
A Call for Accountability
Sarma concluded his remarks by calling on voters to hold Congress accountable for its failure to address the issue over decades. He reiterated that the BJP is committed to bringing lasting solutions for the communities of Assam.
The BTC elections, expected to take place soon, are shaping up to be a high-stakes battle for influence in Assam. As the debate over ST status continues, the political future of these six communities may play a decisive role in determining the outcome.
Click here: PM Modi Launches Key Development Projects in Assam