Guwahati, 03 December (HS):

The Assam BJP on Wednesday accused the Congress of showing no genuine intent toward granting tribal status to six communities — Moran, Motok, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Koch-Rajbongshi, and the Tea Tribes.

BJP spokesperson Dr. Devajit Mahanta said in a press conference on Wednesday that if the Congress had real goodwill, it would not have created unnecessary controversy over the special revision of the electoral roll when AGP MP Birendra Prasad Baishya supported the demand in Parliament on December 2. He added that the silence of the Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi and Congress MPs reflects their lack of support.

Mahanta said Gogoi should raise the issue in Parliament instead of engaging in appeasement politics. He further stated that dismissing the cabinet committee’s report insults the six communities and challenged the Congress to present any alternative model or policy.

He added that despite former Chief Ministers Tarun Gogoi and Hiteswar Saikia belonging to the Ahom community, neither took any initiative on tribal status during their tenures.

The BJP said the Congress is now focusing mainly on minority-dominated seats, proving its weak base among indigenous communities, while the BJP remains committed to protecting their identity, land and rights.-------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash