Guwahati, 28th July: As the ongoing delimitation exercise by the Election Commission progresses in Assam, Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal has vehemently criticized the ruling BJP, alleging that the process is a tactic to target the Muslim population in the state.
Mandal stated, “This (delimitation) activity clearly violates the Constitution and the rules of the land. It’s a ruse to attack Muslims in Assam. Why are Muslims being targeted in this manner? Aren’t they Indian citizens? Are they failing to pay taxes to the government? What qualifies someone to be an Indian citizen? We demand that the BJP provide responses to these inquiries.”
He further accused the ruling party of depriving Muslims of government benefits, asserting that their constitutional rights were being denied.
Mandal expressed that Muslims in the state are hardworking and can take care of themselves and their families, but basic rights are being withheld by the BJP.
The Congress MLA alleged that the delimitation exercise favored districts with a lesser concentration of Muslims, resulting in more Assembly constituencies being carved out in those regions, while districts with a significant Muslim population were allocated fewer constituencies.
He cited specific examples, stating that districts like Barpeta, Darrang, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Nagaon were facing a reduction in their Assembly representation.
Mandal questioned the rationale behind allocating more seats to non-Muslim districts with lower average constituency populations, as opposed to districts with a higher concentration of Muslims.
He concluded by emphasizing that the delimitation exercise seemed to serve the vested interests of the BJP and RSS, prompting the Congress to challenge the process in the Supreme Court.
The delimitation exercise continues to be a contentious issue, stirring debates and raising concerns about its implications for representation and fairness in the electoral process.
Also read: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Begins Three-Day Visit to Assam