In a move to counter what it perceives as challenges to democratic institutions, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam has announced a series of rallies across the state from October 13 to October 31. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement during a press briefing in Guwahati, emphasizing the party’s intent to oppose Congress’s alleged attempts to undermine these institutions.
The rallies, described as peaceful gatherings, will take place at district headquarters throughout Assam. Sarma stated that the demonstrations aim to express support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and bolster public confidence in the nation’s constitutional institutions. He accused Congress and other opposition parties of politically challenging key institutions like the Election Commission and the Supreme Court.
Highlighting the BJP’s stance, Sarma critiqued Congress’s opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He argued that the revision is vital for addressing voter list discrepancies and issues related to illegal immigration in the state. The Chief Minister also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of inconsistency in his acceptance of election outcomes based on the winning party. Sarma criticized Gandhi’s actions towards the Supreme Court, asserting that constitutional institutions should remain free from political pressure.
The BJP has framed these rallies as a platform to affirm support for democratic processes and counter Congress’s approach to electoral and constitutional affairs. This announcement comes amid simmering political tensions between the BJP and Congress over electoral processes, the independence of institutions, and immigration-related issues specific to Assam.