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Guwahati, Assam, India March 29: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Assam Congress election observer DK Shivakumar on Saturday accused the BJP of creating division in society, asserting that Congress governments have historically fostered unity and inclusiveness. He made the remarks during a press conference in Guwahati as part of his multi-day visit to the state.
Shivakumar said the political mood in Assam reflects a clear desire for change. “This is not merely anti-incumbency. It is the will of the people,” he stated, adding that Congress-led governments have traditionally been inclusive, while BJP administrations, in his view, promote authoritarianism.
Recalling past political exchanges, he said the BJP once labelled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma—then a Congress minister—as “the most corrupt minister” and had even circulated a booklet alleging corruption. He questioned the BJP’s shift in stance, asking how the same leader has now become the party’s “poster boy,” and said Union Home Minister Amit Shah should respond.
Shivakumar alleged that the BJP has weakened nationwide and has failed to build local leadership in Assam despite a decade in power. He accused the party of relying on Congress defectors to stay politically afloat. “If you have performed well and groomed leaders, why did you need to induct those who once prepared charge sheets against your top leadership?” he asked.
He further alleged that the state government under Sarma mirrors the “authoritarian” style of the central government led by Narendra Modi. Citing reports, he claimed that women attending BJP rallies were assured government benefits, while those who stayed away were threatened with exclusion. “In Karnataka, support is given based on eligibility, not political attendance,” he said.
Shivakumar also criticised Sarma’s controversial statements, dismissing the claim that he influenced 30% of Congress ticket allocations. He reiterated that national leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge play decisive roles in party decisions.He accused the Assam government of pervasive corruption, claiming that even ministers’ families were involved. He said certain newspapers were targeted for exposing such issues, calling it a dangerous attack on democracy.
Highlighting unemployment, Shivakumar questioned why thousands of Assamese youths migrate to southern states for jobs. He also criticised the BJP for failing to fulfil its promise of granting tribal status to six communities. He expressed confidence that voters would seek accountability and opt for change.
Addressing immigration, he said the UPA government under former PM Manmohan Singh deported more illegal immigrants than the BJP administration has in the last decade, arguing that the current government lacks the moral authority to make tall claims on the issue.
Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary and Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh criticised Guwahati’s urban infrastructure, noting that brief rainfall had flooded parts of the city. He alleged a “climate of fear” in the state, claiming action is taken against journalists and social media users critical of the government. He accused agencies such as the Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate of being misused for intimidation.
Singh claimed the ruling BJP is internally divided between factions led by Sarma and those aligned with RSS ideology. Citing former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, he said honest leaders had been sidelined.
He further alleged failures in the government’s promises to tea garden workers, employment generation, and development. On allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, he said the Chief Minister was “panicking,” adding that repeated SIT probes had produced no results.
Singh announced that Congress President Kharge would release the party’s manifesto at a rally in Lakhimpur on Sunday, with key commitments including restoring media freedom and ending what he described as an atmosphere of fear.
On the cancellation of the Congress candidate’s nomination in Barpeta, Singh said the error was minor and legally rectifiable but alleged that the Election Commission acted “like a BJP worker.” He said the party would challenge the decision in court if necessary.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the people of Assam would vote decisively to bring the Congress back to power, promising a governance model focused on accountability, inclusivity, and public welfare.
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