📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express
In a recent statement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the voting patterns in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in the state. Sarma mentioned that while the Hindu community in Assam voted on merit, the minority community, specifically those of Bangladeshi origin, overwhelmingly supported the Congress despite the developmental work carried out by the BJP government. During a felicitation event for victorious MPs of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Guwahati, Sarma expressed pride in the fact that Hindus in Assam did not engage in political appeasement but rather based their votes on merit and development. He criticized the minority community for what he described as tactical voting, noting that they gave 100 per cent of their votes to the Congress regardless of the development in their areas. The NDA emerged victorious in 11 out of the 14 seats in Assam, with the Congress-led INDIA bloc securing the remaining three seats. Sarma also criticized the Congress for its policies when in power until 2016, highlighting the disparity in minority areas in terms of infrastructure and amenities. He specifically pointed out the lack of roads, electricity, and price hikes in these areas during the Congress rule. Despite the BJP’s efforts and initiatives for the welfare of Assamese people and tribals, Sarma noted that the minority community continued to support the Congress. The CM raised concerns about the concentrated support of the minority community for the Congress in certain assembly segments, emphasizing that this trend demonstrates a form of communalism that is not exhibited by the Hindu community. While Sarma did not specify particular locations of Bangladeshi-origin residents within Assam, he touched upon the contentious issue of foreigners in the state, which led to the NRC revision and exclusion of a significant number of individuals. He also criticized the political loyalty of the minority community, stating that their support has shifted from one leader to another while maintaining the same communalist ideologies. Sarma highlighted the historical success of the NDA in leading in 92 out of 126 Assembly segments in Assam, aiming to cross the 50 per cent vote share mark in the upcoming 2026 Assembly polls. The CM underscored the BJP’s commitment to nation-building and inclusive development, irrespective of election outcomes or voting patterns.
