Congress Slams Assam CM Over “Deliberate Delay” in Granting ST Status to Six Communities

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Tuesday mounted a blistering attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of intentionally stalling the long-promised process of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in the state.

Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhavan, senior Congress leaders Debabrata Saikia and Pradyut Bordoloi alleged that the BJP-led government has “failed repeatedly” to deliver on its commitment despite making the issue a major political plank during successive elections.

Saikia: BJP “misleading people with false claims”

Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia said the BJP had assured ST status for the Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak, and Adivasi communities soon after forming the government, yet “not a single concrete step has been taken.”

“Several election cycles have passed, multiple protests have taken place—including semi-nude demonstrations—and still nothing has moved. The Chief Minister is resorting to political theatrics while blaming the Congress with false narratives,” Saikia said.

Accusing the Chief Minister of “practising the worst form of politics,” Saikia claimed:

• The entire decision-making power lies with the Union Government, not the state.

• The Chief Minister is “intentionally misleading the public” to shift blame.

• If the government is serious, it should call representatives of the six communities for talks and take them to Delhi for a final discussion.

Saikia further alleged that the Chief Minister “pretends ignorance” about the legislative timeline and has “no intention to see the process through.”

Bordoloi: Congress has historically safeguarded tribal rights

Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi said the Congress’ commitment to protecting tribal identities dates back to the efforts of Gopinath Bordoloi, who ensured special constitutional safeguards for tribal communities in the Northeast.

“Congress has always ensured that tribal rights are never diluted. Even if new communities are granted ST status, their recognition will not undermine the rights of existing tribal groups,” he said.

Bordoloi stated that Congress is open to constitutional amendments to ensure Assam receives its due recognition as a state with large tribal populations.

He further alleged:

• Chief Minister Sarma “personally opposes” granting ST status to the six groups.

• Under his leadership, a final decision “will never be taken.”

• The government is indulging in “divisive political strategies” to pit one community against another.

Bordoloi also pointed out that the Congress had highlighted tribal protection and expanded recognition in earlier party resolutions, including during Hiteswar Saikia’s presidency in 1996.

Congress reiterates support for ST status

The party reaffirmed that it continues to support ST status for the six communities without affecting the rights of existing Scheduled Tribes. It accused the state government of running a “calculated political campaign” to shift attention away from its inaction.

Also Read: Assam: BTC Chief Backs ST Status for Six Communities, But With Strict Safeguards for Existing Tribes