Guwahati, 26 May (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress while replying to the debate on the Governor’s speech in the Assam Assembly on the fourth day of the ongoing session. The Chief Minister said arrogance has no place in politics and asserted that public representatives must remain grounded to retain the trust of the people.

Addressing the House, Sarma said Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi was defeated in Jorhat because of “arrogance” and opposition to development. He remarked that people have the power both to elect and defeat leaders and advised newly elected MLAs to learn humility. The Chief Minister also suggested that legislators should change their personal assistants periodically every year.

Referring to the recent political discourse surrounding singer Zubeen Garg, the Chief Minister alleged that attempts were made to use the artiste’s name for political gain. He claimed the election verdict had shattered Congress’ dream of forming the government and reduced the party to 19 seats in the Assembly.

On the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Sarma said the law would ensure protection and equal rights for minority women in Assam. He stated that practices such as child marriage and polygamy would be curbed through the implementation of the UCC and asserted that minority women would be able to live with greater dignity and security.

The Chief Minister also accused the Congress of carrying out a “planned personal attack” against his family during the elections through allegations such as fake passport claims. He said the people of Assam rejected such politics of personal attacks and instead supported the government’s development agenda.

Welcoming the decision by a large section of the Islamic community in Assam not to sacrifice cattle during the upcoming Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations, Sarma said the move would help strengthen trust and harmony between Hindus and Muslims in the state. He described the decision as a positive sign for Assam’s social harmony and thanked those who had voluntarily adopted the step.

The Chief Minister further claimed that minority-dominated constituencies that did not vote for the BJP would witness rapid development over the next five years. He also predicted that Congress would not continue to enjoy political dominance in minority-majority constituencies by 2031 and said the political future of several Congress minority legislators would become uncertain in the coming years.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash