Gaurav Gogoi Alleges BJP Plot to Tamper Assam Voter Rolls

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP, accusing it of orchestrating a systematic attempt to manipulate the State’s electoral rolls by enrolling outsiders while deleting the names of genuine local voters.

Addressing an interaction programme with more than 20 social organisations and senior citizens in Sivasagar, Gogoi alleged that the BJP was undermining the democratic fabric of Assam by targeting indigenous and conscientious voters. He claimed the ruling party was deliberately weakening the political voice of the people through what he described as a “well-planned conspiracy”.

In a direct accusation against the State’s top leadership, Gogoi alleged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had instructed senior BJP leader Ashok Singhal to oversee the alleged exercise. “The Chief Minister and Ashok Singhal are the principal architects of this operation,” he claimed, asserting that the objective was to strip “aware and indigenous citizens” of their voting rights.

Calling on the public to unite in defence of their franchise, Gogoi also questioned the Election Commission’s role, saying it should have initiated suo motu action on voter list irregularities. “If everything is above board, why has the Commission remained silent?” he asked.

Taking aim at the BJP’s popularity claims, Gogoi remarked, “If the BJP truly enjoys public support, why does it need to import voters from outside Assam?” He urged citizens to hold the ruling party accountable over alleged discrepancies in the electoral rolls.

The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP has been facing growing internal trouble over the past several months, citing what he described as a series of corruption-related cases involving party members. He referred to reported instances of cattle smuggling, rice diversion and other irregularities, claiming these had tarnished the party’s image.

Referring specifically to the Barak Valley, Gogoi alleged that two BJP MLAs had failed to provide valid proof of citizenship. He said such developments point to a steady decline of the ruling party in Assam, adding that Chief Minister Sarma himself would be “the biggest reason” behind the BJP’s eventual political setback in the State.

Looking ahead to the next Assembly elections, Gogoi said the battle would not merely be between political parties but between the Chief Minister and the people of Assam. He expressed confidence that voters would deliver a strong message, one that would resonate beyond the State.

Responding to comments by Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi about a possible rupture in the opposition alliance over seat-sharing, Gaurav Gogoi struck a cautious note. He said the people of Assam expect “complete unity” among Congress and its allies. He pointed out that the Congress has chosen not to contest in 26 of the State’s 126 Assembly constituencies to reinforce opposition cohesion.

He also raised questions about the ruling alliance, asking whether seat-sharing between the BJP and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) had already been settled. According to him, Chief Minister Sarma’s authority within the alliance has weakened and differences between the BJP and AGP are becoming increasingly visible.

Employing a sharp political slogan, Gogoi said, “After protecting land and identity, it is now time to protect votes from ‘mama-mami’,” suggesting that the Chief Minister is increasingly insecure. He predicted that Himanta Biswa Sarma would not retain the Chief Minister’s post after the next elections.

Several Congress leaders, including Roselina Tirkey, district president Ajay Gogoi and APCC secretary Subhramitra Gogoi, were present at the programme.

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