Guwahati, 25 March (HS): Bhupesh Baghel, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and election observer for the Assam Congress, on Wednesday asserted that the people of Assam are seeking change and expressed confidence that the Congress will secure a strong victory in the state.

Speaking to the media upon his arrival in Guwahati, Baghel said that out of the five states going to polls, the Congress is likely to perform well in at least four, including Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. He stated that the public mood clearly indicates a shift in favour of the party.

Responding to remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma predicting a poor performance by Congress, Baghel said Sarma’s intense campaigning reflects concern within the BJP. He added that if the BJP was confident of victory, its leaders would not be campaigning so aggressively, and claimed that the Chief Minister’s statements indicate fear of losing power.

Baghel alleged that the promises made by the BJP government, including granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities, remain unfulfilled despite being in power for a decade. He said these communities feel betrayed and are unlikely to support the ruling party in the upcoming elections.

Accusing the Chief Minister and his associates of large-scale corruption, Baghel claimed that state resources, including land, coal and sand, have been exploited. He also termed Sarma as one of the most corrupt Chief Ministers in the country.

Criticising the Arunodoi scheme, Baghel alleged that financial assistance to women is being used as a tool of intimidation and political pressure. He claimed that beneficiaries are being made to feel that the aid is conditional upon supporting the BJP.

He further said that the Congress manifesto will include better welfare schemes without any coercion. Referring to popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, Baghel said that people across Assam are demanding justice and alleged that it would not be possible under the current leadership.

Baghel also asserted that the Congress will work to protect the identity, land and rights of indigenous communities from corporate influence, naming business groups like Adani, Ambani and Patanjali. He claimed that the electoral contest in Assam is not with the BJP, but between what he termed the “real Congress” led by Gaurav Gogoi and a “duplicate Congress” led by Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Dismissing BJP’s claims of securing a third consecutive term, Baghel said the current government is effectively run by a political syndicate and not a true BJP administration. On the issue of illegal immigration, he accused the ruling party of promoting divisive politics and questioned the role of central leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in controlling infiltration.

He also criticised the BJP for allegedly targeting minorities publicly while seeking their support politically. Baghel concluded by stating that if Congress forms the government, it will restore land rights to indigenous communities, ensure justice in key issues, and fulfil long-pending promises such as granting ST status to six communities.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash