BJP Doesn’t Need to Steal Votes, Says Dilip Saikia on Republic Day

Guwahati: As the nation marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday, celebrations were also held at the Assam BJP headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, where state BJP president Dilip Saikia unfurled the national flag.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Saikia launched a strong counterattack against Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, rejecting allegations of electoral irregularities and accusing the opposition of deliberately spreading confusion for political mileage.

Responding to Gogoi’s remarks, Saikia said the Congress leader should focus his attention on Pakistan instead, alleging that Gogoi has little understanding of Assam’s heritage or India’s civilisational ethos. He asserted that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remains deeply rooted in Sanatan civilisation and cultural traditions, and stressed that the BJP does not require validation from the Congress leader.

Dismissing claims of vote theft, Saikia described the allegations as completely unfounded. He said there was nothing illegal if a Booth Level Agent (BLA-1 or BLA-2) sought to add the name of a legitimate Indian citizen to the electoral rolls. Highlighting that voter list revision is an ongoing and transparent exercise, he questioned why objections were being politicised when formal mechanisms for claims and corrections already exist.

“If there are provisions for claims and objections, why is there so much noise?” Saikia asked.

Taking aim at the opposition’s allegations related to Boko, the BJP leader questioned whether the Zila Parishad chairperson was personally operating a computer to insert names into the voter list. He said unnecessary controversy was being manufactured despite clear institutional processes to address grievances.

Turning the spotlight on the Congress, Saikia accused the party of having a long history of manipulating democratic processes. He cited the post-Independence period, claiming that despite Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel enjoying wider support among states, Jawaharlal Nehru was made Prime Minister with backing from only a handful.

Concluding his remarks, Saikia asserted that the BJP had no need to resort to unfair practices. “The BJP does not steal votes. The mandate of the people is firmly with us,” he said.

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