Guwahati, September 3, 2024 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a forceful speech on Monday, equating BJP’s membership drive to a “sacred Maha Yagya” for every party worker. Addressing BJP workers in Guwahati, Sarma emphasized the party’s commitment to meritocracy and launched a scathing attack on the Congress for its “parivarvaad,” or family-based politics.
In his address, Sarma drew a stark contrast between the BJP and Congress, asserting that while the BJP has established a strong foundation to avoid falling under the control of a single family, the Congress remains entrenched in dynasty politics. “There is no ‘parivarvaad’ in BJP, but we have seen the picture of ‘parivarvaad’ in Congress,” Sarma said, underscoring the BJP’s focus on merit over lineage.
The Assam Chief Minister also revisited his criticism of Congress for its alliance with the National Conference in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. On August 25, Sarma had accused the Congress of acting “against the interest of India” and of “undermining the sacrifices of the Indian armed forces” by aligning with a party that he branded as “anti-India” and “pro-Pakistani.”
Sarma condemned the National Conference’s manifesto, which includes proposals to restore Article 370 and Article 35A and to engage in dialogue with Pakistan. He described these positions as controversial and contrary to India’s national interests. By joining forces with the National Conference, Sarma argued, the Congress is implicitly endorsing these controversial proposals.
The upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, are scheduled to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Sarma’s remarks are part of a broader BJP strategy to paint the Congress-National Conference alliance as harmful to India’s unity and security, particularly in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir.