Guwahati, 12 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party of undermining the foundations of India's democracy, announcing that the Assam BJP would organise peaceful public rallies at district headquarters across the state from Tuesday until October 31.

In a social media post, Sarma alleged that the Congress had adopted double standards on democratic mandates, claiming that Rahul Gandhi questioned the legitimacy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election while raising no objections to his own election to Parliament or his subsequent appointment as Leader of the Opposition.

The Chief Minister also questioned the Congress's differing responses to election results in Assam and Kerala, alleging that the party accepted democratic outcomes only when they favoured it.

Sarma further alleged that Rahul Gandhi was attempting to exert political pressure on the Supreme Court by marching towards it after the Chief Justice of India declined to meet him. He maintained that constitutional institutions, which reflect public trust, should not be subjected to political pressure or held accountable for the electoral disappointment of any political party.

Announcing the BJP's proposed statewide programme, Sarma said the rallies would seek to raise public awareness about what he described as the Congress's attempts to threaten constitutional institutions, oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to protect infiltrators, and disrespect the democratic mandate of the people.

He added that the programme would also reaffirm the BJP's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his vision of building a developed India by 2047.

Sarma asserted that the people's electoral mandate must be respected and the independence of constitutional institutions preserved, adding that no political party should be allowed to threaten or hold them hostage for political convenience.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash