“People of Barak who aspire to live as Indians are happy with delimitation draft”: CM Himanta, Says Silchar BJP supports the move too

While speaking to reporters today, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his support for the delimitation draft recently published by the Election Commission of India. Addressing reporters, Sarma took a dig at the Congress party for opposing the delimitation exercise, suggesting that their opposition stemmed from the potential loss of their political influence for the next five decades.

Sarma stated, “Congress will protest because their shop has been closed for the next 50 years. If the delimitation is performed in the way it is proposed, then Congress’ tears will be more than that of heavy rains during cyclones.” The Chief Minister emphasised that the people of Barak Valley, particularly those who aspire to live as proud Indians, are pleased with the delimitation draft. He mentioned a meeting with a delegation from Barak BJP, who expressed their gratitude for the proposed changes. Sarma humbly redirected their appreciation to the Election Commission, highlighting his limited capacity in the matter. The CM received whatsapp texts from people of Hailakandi thanking him for saving atleast one seat for them. He also informed that there is great enthusiasm among the people of Hailakandi and Karimganj after the proposed delimitation.

Furthermore, Sarma supported the proposed alteration to reserve the Silchar Lok Sabha seat for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates. He stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the general, SC and ST people for the collective welfare of the society. Sarma urged the public to embrace reserving seats for underprivileged communities, suggesting that general seats were relatively easier to win for flying kites (a type of bird).

The delimitation draft has however faced significant public backlash in Barak Valley, with several political parties, including Congress, BDF (Barak Democratic Front), AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front), TMC (Trinamool Congress) and other social organisations censuring the exercise. They have alleged that the proposed delimitation aims to curtail political representation of Barak Valley in Assam Assembly and stifle the voices of the region.

In response to the discontent, the BDF has called for a 12-hour bandh across the entire Barak Valley tomorrow, protesting against the delimitation draft published by the Election Commission.