BJP Accused of Cash Distribution to Sway Voters in Dholai, Cong Calls Open Murder of Democracy

The battle for the Dholai by-election has taken a controversial turn, as allegations of cash distribution and intimidation tactics by the BJP surface, drawing criticism from Congress leaders and calls for intervention.

Eyewitnesses report that, following a BJP meeting held at a marriage hall in New Market, Dholai, bundles of cash were openly distributed to attendees. People were reportedly invited to the meeting, asked to sign their names, and then handed ₹1,000 each. This event led to long queues forming as people waited to collect the money. The meeting was attended by Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, whose presence further stirred criticism from political opponents.

Reacting to the incident, Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed from the Chayagaon constituency downplayed the effect of cash distribution on Congress’s campaign. “This distribution of cash doesn’t affect our party in any way,” Ahmed remarked, adding that voter loyalty now stems from trust and shared values, not financial inducement. “Gone are the days when people voted for money,” he asserted, expressing confidence that Congress would secure a “landslide victory” in the Dholai bye-election.

The MLA who came to campaign for the Congress candidate Dhrubajyoti Purkayastha also said people are aligning with the vision of Rahul Gandhi all over India. He further mentioned the heavyweight Congress ministers and leaders that came from Barak Valley.

Pradesh Congress Secretary Swapan Mandal further condemned the BJP’s actions, alleging that the party was attempting to “buy votes” through cash handouts and threats. Mandal, who also called for immediate action against the cash distribution, stated that Congress had filed formal complaints with both the Election Commission and the Governor of Assam. He cited prior instances where Minister Mallabaruah allegedly pressured minority business owners, warning them to support the BJP or face shutdowns.

“We have submitted our complaints to the Election Commission and the Governor,” Mandal said, emphasising that such tactics undermine democratic principles. He accused the BJP of “murdering democracy” and argued that if elections were conducted freely and fairly, the BJP would not secure a victory in any of the five constituencies scheduled to go for polling on November 13.

Mandal remains optimistic about Congress’s prospects in Dholai and other constituencies, stating, “The people will respond to the BJP’s deception. The tide is with Congress across Assam.” He expressed confidence that the electorate would reject attempts to sway votes through financial incentives, affirming that people across the state increasingly resonate with Rahul Gandhi’s vision and support Congress’s stand for the downtrodden and economically disadvantaged.

As the election approaches, the alleged cash distribution incident in Dholai has intensified the scrutiny on the BJP’s campaign tactics, with the Election Commission facing mounting pressure to ensure a fair voting process.