Guwahati, April 13: Senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Borah came down heavily on the BJP-led Assam government on Sunday, accusing it of orchestrating a “reign of terror” to sabotage the upcoming panchayat elections.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, Borah alleged that the BJP, fearing growing support for Congress at the grassroots, has resorted to threats, violence, and misuse of state machinery to prevent opposition candidates from participating in the democratic process.
“BJP is rattled,” Borah said. “They were overconfident that Congress wouldn’t be able to field candidates, but the surge in nominations from Congress has shaken them.” According to Borah, villagers and youth are rallying behind the Congress, leading to desperation within the ruling party.
He accused BJP functionaries of threatening to withdraw welfare benefits like the Orunodoi scheme if people chose to contest on Congress tickets. “They thought they’d win 60% of Zila Parishad seats unopposed. But the tide has turned. Now, they’re resorting to intimidation.”
Highlighting multiple incidents of violence, Borah claimed that over 1,000 BJP workers in Gohpur defected and were met with aggression. He recounted a specific incident on April 11 in Samaguri, where Congress candidates were assaulted while filing nominations, but police allegedly refused to act.
He also cited the vandalism of nomination papers in Naduar, Sonitpur district, where BJP supporters allegedly stormed a government office and tore Congress candidates’ documents.
On April 12, Borah said, BJP MLA Utpal Borah entered the scrutiny office in Pub Chaiduar and allegedly forced officials to accept previously rejected nominations, while also physically assaulting Congress leaders. FIRs were lodged, but no arrests were made, he added.
“Is this how a democracy functions?” Borah questioned. “The Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister, must answer why the police are silent despite clear evidence and formal complaints.”
He further claimed the attacks reflect BJP’s fear of losing control and warned the ruling party that “muscle power won’t suppress the will of the people.” Borah appealed to Congress workers to stay calm, committed to non-violence, and fight back at the ballot box.
“The BJP is running scared. That’s why they’re turning to violence. But history shows you can’t suppress a people’s movement forever,” he said. The Congress, according to Borah, is fielding candidates in 95% of gram panchayat seats, with a majority of candidates being under 40 years old.
He assured that the party’s high command is monitoring the situation and all incidents have been reported to the State Election Commission (SEC). Borah also condemned the repeated arrest of Ritam Singh, a Congress spokesperson, calling it an attempt to “instil fear” and “break the party’s morale.”
“This is fascism in action,” Borah said. “But we are ready. The people are with us. And we will respond through the ballot, not the bullet.” Senior Congress leaders Nripen Thakuria and Rhituporna Konwar were also present at the press meet.
