Vote for BJP or Face Business Troubles: Jayanta Mallabaruah Warns Dholai’s Minority Voters

While appealing to the minority voters of Dholai for the bye-elections to be held on November 13, Cachar’s Guardian Minister and campaigner for the Bharatiya Janata Party has threatened the locals with the closure of their business establishments. Vote for Congress yet again and BJP might shut down their shops, the “Guardian Minister” was heard saying in a video of the campaign. While addressing the minority in the Bhaga Bazar area of Dholai yesterday (November 7) for candidate Nihar Ranjan Das, Mallabaruah made these triggering statements.

A PDF file on the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) freely accessible on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) website reads about the General Conduct during election time. The Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately after the election dates are officially announced by the ECI or its state office. The first rule of the General Conduct states that “No party or candidate shall include in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”. The third rule states, there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Even though, violating the MCC does not attract direct legal penalties since it is not legally enforceable by itself. However, the ECI has various measures at its disposal to ensure compliance and can take the following actions against violators. Punishment can range from warnings and censure to bans on campaigns, FIRs or even disqualifications of candidature.

The minister was campaigning on behalf of BJP candidate Nihar Ranjan Das, who faces a competitive election amid heated campaigns from both ruling and opposition parties. Yesterday, during a campaign meeting in Dholai’s Bhaga Bazar, Mallabaruah allegedly stated that he has the authority to control business activities in the region and suggested that not voting for the BJP could lead to disruptions in the local economy. He is reportedly using scare tactics to sway minority voters.

Addressing the crowd, he said, “I am the Guardian Minister of Cachar; if I want, I can shut down all business in this area. But I haven’t done it. If you don’t vote for BJP, I might feel inclined to act and close down all business in this area.” While attempting to speak Bangla, Mallabaruah was heard saying, “If you repeatedly vote for the Congress then how can you enjoy the benefits our government is providing? We are giving you ration, roads and all the benefits and you keep on running after the Congress”.

Sharing the stage with Jayanta Mallabaruah at the event was also the MP of Silchar: Parimal Suklabaidya, Konad Purkayastha, candidate Nihar Ranjan Das, and BJP members of the Bhaga Bazar area.

In addition, the minister warned that despite BJP’s development initiatives, continuing support for Congress might result in consequences for the region. He urged voters to reconsider their stance, emphasizing BJP’s role in local development.

He further assured that voting for the BJP in this bye-election will ensure a four-engine government and in-turn four times the development in Dholai,

This alleged threat has sparked criticism from opposition groups, who argue that it is an attempt to intimidate minority voters and undermine the democratic process. The Election Commission is yet to announce whether they will investigate the claims, as calls grow for a transparent inquiry into the minister’s statements.