Political tensions in Assam have reached new heights with the panchayat elections approaching, as Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia launched a strong attack on the State Election Commission (SEC) and state police. Saikia accused both entities of bias and favoring the ruling BJP-led alliance, leading to unfair practices during the ongoing election campaign.
During a press conference on Monday, Saikia did not hold back in his criticism, alleging that the SEC had turned a blind eye to the continuous violations of the model code of conduct by BJP leaders. He claimed that these violations were being ignored by the election authorities despite the availability of evidence, including videos and formal complaints from the opposition. “The BJP has been openly violating election norms, offering government scheme benefits in exchange for votes and intimidating voters with threats of exclusion if they refuse support,” Saikia stated.
Saikia’s allegations extended to the state police, which he accused of siding with the ruling BJP. He suggested that the police had become an extension of the BJP rather than acting as a neutral law enforcement body, responsible for maintaining peace and fairness during the election process. “The police, instead of taking action, are working like the BJP’s personal force,” Saikia added, highlighting what he described as an unhealthy alliance between the ruling party and law enforcement agencies.
The Congress leader was particularly vocal about the misuse of government schemes, which he claimed were being used as leverage by the BJP to secure votes. Saikia pointed out that ruling party MLAs had made public promises to include voters in welfare schemes, simultaneously warning of severe consequences for non-compliant voters. These actions, he argued, clearly violated the poll conduct rules but were ignored by both the SEC and the police. The Leader of Opposition emphasized that such practices had created an environment of fear and manipulation among voters, undermining the integrity of the election process.
In his remarks, Saikia also stressed that the silence of the SEC in the face of these violations was deeply troubling. He expressed disappointment that the electoral body, which is supposed to act as a neutral arbiter, had failed to take necessary action against these breaches. “Despite providing video evidence and multiple complaints, the SEC has remained silent, failing to ensure a level playing field,” Saikia remarked.
The Congress leader pointed to the growing dissatisfaction among the people of Assam, suggesting that public sentiment was shifting away from the ruling government due to its “anti-people policies.” Saikia emphasized that opposition parties were receiving a positive response across the state, with many voters seeking change at the grassroots level. He said this shifting mood would play a crucial role in the upcoming Assembly elections, giving hope to the opposition for a strong performance.
Saikia’s statements reflect the high political stakes in Assam as the state prepares for the panchayat elections. With the ruling BJP facing accusations of manipulating the election process, opposition parties are increasingly vocal about the need for a fair and transparent electoral system. Saikia’s criticism of the SEC and state police highlights the tense political climate as parties gear up for the upcoming election battles.
The allegations have sparked intense debate in Assam’s political circles, with many questioning the role of the SEC and the state police in ensuring a free and fair election process. While the BJP has not yet responded to Saikia’s accusations, the Congress leader’s remarks suggest a growing divide between the ruling party and opposition forces in the state. As the panchayat elections draw closer, the political environment in Assam is becoming more polarized, with each party vying for voter support amid the claims and counterclaims.
With the upcoming elections expected to set the stage for future political contests in Assam, Saikia’s statements add another layer of complexity to the already heated political landscape. The coming days will likely see more developments as both the ruling and opposition parties intensify their campaigns, with the issue of electoral fairness taking center stage in the political discourse.
As the panchayat elections approach, the people of Assam are keenly watching how the SEC and state police will respond to the growing accusations of bias and misconduct. Whether Saikia’s calls for a fairer election process will lead to changes in the handling of the election remains to be seen, but it is clear that the stakes are higher than ever in Assam’s political arena.
The accusations made by Debabrata Saikia have added fuel to the fire in Assam’s already heated political environment. As the panchayat elections loom, the state’s political landscape is increasingly defined by tension and mistrust between the ruling BJP-led alliance and the opposition. Saikia’s remarks resonate with a segment of the population that feels the ruling government has not only exploited power for electoral gains but has also manipulated key institutions to secure its advantage.
The focus on the police’s alleged role in favoring the BJP has ignited discussions on the neutrality of law enforcement in Assam’s elections. Many fear that the rising politicization of the police force could erode public confidence in the electoral system. The Leader of Opposition’s comments on this issue highlight a growing concern that, without impartial policing, the integrity of the election process is at risk. Assam’s police force, which is supposed to safeguard the law, now finds itself at the center of a controversy, with opposition parties claiming that the force is complicit in undermining democratic values.
Furthermore, Saikia’s criticism of the SEC raises questions about the body’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. The Congress leader’s persistent claims of inaction by the commission have intensified calls for electoral reforms. Many believe that if the SEC fails to address these serious allegations, it risks losing its credibility as an impartial institution. Voters across Assam are now questioning whether the election authority can act in the best interest of democracy, or if political bias will continue to shape the electoral landscape.
The Congress party, with Saikia at the helm, is aiming to capitalize on the discontent brewing among voters who feel marginalized by the ruling BJP. Saikia’s rhetoric has framed the upcoming panchayat elections as a fight not only for political power but also for the preservation of democratic values in Assam. Opposition parties are using this narrative to rally support, presenting themselves as the defenders of free and fair elections against what they perceive as a government that uses all available tools—government schemes, law enforcement, and state institutions—to maintain its grip on power.
In addition to these pressing concerns, the issue of welfare scheme misuse has dominated public discourse. Saikia’s allegations that BJP leaders have exploited government benefits to gain votes have resonated with citizens who are weary of political interference in public welfare. Many are beginning to question whether their access to these essential programs is being conditioned on their political loyalty. The notion that voters may be threatened with exclusion from state benefits if they do not vote for the ruling party undermines the trust that citizens place in the democratic process.
The impact of these developments on voter turnout remains to be seen, but Saikia’s comments signal a growing dissatisfaction with the current political order in Assam. As the election campaign intensifies, it is clear that the opposition will continue to hammer on issues of fairness and transparency. With allegations of bias and misconduct against the state’s most powerful institutions, it remains to be seen whether the electorate will demand accountability from the government and the election authorities, or if these issues will fade into the background as the campaign heats up.
As the days pass and the campaign reaches its peak, Assam is bracing for what could be one of its most contentious panchayat elections in recent memory. With key accusations about the role of the police, SEC, and welfare schemes dominating the discourse, it’s clear that the path to a fair and free election will be a battleground in itself. The outcome of these elections could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the political parties involved but for the future of democratic processes in Assam.