Give Rs 10 crore and will give you AIUDF tickets; Badaruddin Ajmal's open offer shocks Hailakandi

The assembly elections in Assam could be notified at any time. The opposition is stitching a “Mahaghatbandhan” type alliance to topple Sarbananda Sonowal’s BJP government in the state. Recently, All India United Democratic Front supremo Badaruddin Ajmal visited Barak Valley to vet candidates to be fielded on AIUDF’s ticket.

The visit didn’t start as he would have liked it. A video surfaced on Social Media and the BJP alleged Ajmal supporters are raising “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans to welcome him. That one video became the talking point and BJP very much hijacked the press coverage.

Yet, Ajmal made some claims that made the headline. He said that Congress and AIUDF will contest the elections in an alliance. “The alliance will win 12 out of the 15 seats in Barak Valley,” he asserted.

However, his speech in Hailakandi spurred another controversy. The AIUDF supremo openly announced from the stage that he will give tickets to candidates if they commit Rs 10 crore. Cash for the ticket is a scam that distorts the essence of democracy as undeserving candidates get to contest and win just because of having deeper pockets.

He then went on to clarify his statement. Badaruddin Ajmal said that people in Hailakandi voted for AIUDF in large numbers yet AIUDF MLAs could not do anything for the voters. “Hailakandi needs a hospital and therefore, even if the candidate is illiterate but he or she can commit Rs 10 crore, we will give them tickets. Will take Rs 5 crore in the name of Hospital before the elections and then Rs 1 crore every year for the next five years,” said Ajmal.

He further clarified, “My father left a lot of money for me, I won’t take a penny of this money that the candidates will commit. This will be earmarked for the development of Haialakandi.”

Professors and journalists in Haiakandi criticised Ajmal’s “Cash for Ticket” speech. “On one side he is saying the alliance will form government in Assam and on the other hand, he is asking for money from to-be-candidates in order to develop the district. Is this going to be his brand of governance in the state? This is utter nonsense,” said a professor of SS College who wished not to be named.

From alleged “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans to cash for tickets, Ajmal’s trip was eventful for sure but was it helpful for the alliance? Only time will tell.