Haridwar, 10 October (H.S.): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday criticised the Opposition over the protest in Delhi demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing the agitation as a spectacle and alleging that opposition leaders were frustrated by repeated electoral defeats.

Sarma made the remarks during his visit to Haridwar, where he offered prayers and performed rituals for his ancestors at the Narayani Shila temple. He said the public continued to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed that the number of people backing the Prime Minister was far greater than those participating in the Delhi protest.

Responding to a question about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's meetings with the President and the Chief Justice of India, Sarma said the President was accessible to people and that thousands of people visited the Supreme Court every day. He made a sarcastic remark about Gandhi, saying questions about him should be asked when he travelled to the Moon or Mars.

On the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Sarma said there was little point in discussing those who called themselves cockroaches and argued that attention should instead be given to those identifying themselves as the country's youth.

Sarma also accused the Opposition of attempting to pressure the government through the protest over the Chief Election Commissioner. He said the government would not be intimidated by the allegations and claimed that security restrictions

in Delhi were intended to prevent protesters from creating a spectacle.

During his visit, Sarma performed Narayan Bali, shraddh and tarpan rituals at the Narayani Shila temple for his ancestors.

He also offered prayers with his family for the prosperity of the country and the state. The report said he had been visiting the temple for the past 12 years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar