Assam CM Backs BJP Candidate in Dholai, Slams Congress Over “Bangladeshi” Allegations

In a high-energy campaign visit to Dholai, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma threw his full support behind BJP candidate Nihar Ranjan Das, vowing a wave of development if BJP wins the upcoming by-election. Addressing thousands, Sarma accused Congress of attempting to stir unrest by raising “Bangladeshi” allegations against Das, calling the party “a cow that doesn’t give milk” and urging voters to choose BJP for progress.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday sharply criticised the Congress, accusing the party of stoking communal tensions by raising Bangladeshi allegations against BJP’s candidate, Nihar Ranjan Das, in Dholai. Speaking at two large campaign rallies for Das, the CM charged Congress with attempting to polarise communities and hinder development efforts in the region.

The remarks came as Sarma attended election rallies at BNNP High School and CCJC High School grounds in Dholai, where he voiced strong support for BJP candidate Das. He took the opportunity to address Congress’s claims, stating that Congress was trying to “divide Hindu Bengalis” by questioning Das’s nationality. Sarma asserted that it is the government’s role, not the opposition’s, to identify illegal immigrants, adding that Das has valid documentation, including NRC registration, to affirm his Indian citizenship.

The CM also referenced allegations initially raised by Amiya Kanti Das, a former BJP leader who briefly stood as an independent candidate in Dholai. Although Amiya Kanti Das ultimately withdrew from the race and re-joined BJP, his allegations about Nihar Ranjan Das sparked a controversy Congress has since capitalised on. Sarma, however, continued to deflect blame onto Congress, claiming the party was bent on creating instability in Assam through these accusations.

In a pointed statement, Sarma likened Congress to a “cow that doesn’t give milk,” suggesting that despite feeding off the nation’s resources, Congress has done little for the people. He contrasted this image with BJP, calling it a “Jersey cow that provides milk,” implying BJP’s commitment to delivering development. His remarks were met with cheers from the crowd, who he addressed in Bengali, asking whether BJP would win the seat.

Sarma emphasised BJP’s dedication to Dholai’s development, promising new roads, bridges, and educational institutions if Das wins. He noted that a new college is slated for construction in Dholai and Narsingpur. He assured voters that, with BJP’s presence in both central and state governments and the MP seat, a BJP MLA would ensure swift regional development, unlike a Congress MLA who, he claimed, would avoid approaching him for work.

Discussing the impact of the by-election, Sarma claimed that Das’s victory would strengthen BJP’s influence in the region, following Suklabaidya’s earlier election as MP. He reasoned that with both an MP and MLA from BJP, Dholai would receive dedicated resources and attention. Sarma further emphasised his commitment to begin projects before the 2026 general election, saying that the BJP government has been focusing on improving Assam’s infrastructure and employment rates.

Highlighting job creation under his administration, Sarma announced that 35,000 new government jobs are set to be distributed on 10 May 2025, without any recruitment fees, a commitment he said Congress had failed to meet during its tenure. He asserted that thousands of youths have already gained employment in BJP’s previous recruitment drives.

In a broader appeal to unity, Sarma rejected the idea of conflict between the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, insisting that the people of both regions are united by shared progress. He cited the construction of new medical colleges in Karimganj and Hailakandi, with this he stated all three districts of Barak Valley will now have their own Medical Colleges.

As the 13 November by-election approaches, Sarma expressed confidence in BJP’s prospects, claiming that they would likely win four out of the five seats in contention. He acknowledged that one seat would face stiff competition, though he refrained from naming it, stating it would not be wise to reveal such details publicly.

Yesterday, on 4 November, Congress conducted a campaign event where AICC Secretary Bhanwar Jitendra Singh participated and used the opportunity to criticise BJP’s candidate in Dholai. Congress targeted BJP, drawing attention to the Bangladeshi allegations that were initially raised by Amiya Kanti Das. The Congress speaker accused BJP of inconsistency, and raised various questions on BJP’s leadership.

With only a week left until the by-election, both parties continue their efforts to win over Dholai’s voters, with BJP and Congress each accusing the other of neglecting local development. However, Sarma’s focus on the promise of new infrastructure and his strong stance against Congress may bolster support among his base as they prepare for the upcoming vote.