Jorhat (Assam) [India], November 27 : Assam Congress President and MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the state government is misusing the SIR process to manipulate the voter base ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking with ANI, Gogoi claimed that the Chief Minister is "trying to bring trainloads of BJP workers into Assam from other states and get their names registered in the voters' list." He said such attempts were aimed at "reducing the strength of the Assamese vote."
The Congress leader urged the Election Commission to take the issue seriously and ensure transparency in the electoral process. "In the upcoming elections, the EC must be serious," he said, adding that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must explain "why they don't have a machine-readable voter list."
Gogoi alleged that the lack of such a system leaves scope for manipulation and undermines public trust in the electoral process. He called on the EC to clarify its position and ensure corrective measures before the polls.
The Assam Congress has consistently questioned the SIR process, accusing the state government of using it to alter the demographic and political equations.
On Sunday, Gogoi said that people of Assam are still grieving the loss of Zubeen Garg, describing the late singer as a true leader of Assamese society.
His remarks came as fans and political leaders gathered in Guwahati on Sunday to pay floral tributes, marking one month since the iconic singer died in Singapore on September 19. A large number of fans and respected figures paid heartfelt tributes to honour the late singer.
The Congress MP urged the government to ensure a thorough investigation into the charges against the accused and to see that justice is delivered."People of Assam are still grieving; they miss Zubeen Garg tremendously. They miss his leadership, his courage... especially today, at this time, we need someone to lead the Assamese society the way Zubeen Garg did. Although he was apolitical, he was undoubtedly a leader of Assamese society, and we miss his guidance..." the APCC chief said.
On the other hand, the Assam Chief Minister once again alleged that Congress MP and APCC president Gaurav Gogoi "is 100 per cent a Pakistani agent."Gaurav Gogoi is a 100 per cent Pakistani agent. What I am saying is 100 per cent right. Yesterday, Debabrata Saikia (LoP of the Assam Legislative Assembly) said that Gaurav Gogoi should file a case against me; if he does, I will be happy. We will open the Gaurav Gogoi incident after submission of the chargesheet of the Zubeen Garg death case," the Assam CM said.
The Assam Chief Minister further said that his government will introduce a new bill in the Assam assembly on November 25 to ban polygamy in the state. He said, "We will bring a bill to ban polygamy on November 25. If anyone is found guilty of polygamy, he will face 7 years of rigorous imprisonment."