Guwahati, 4th May: As Assam gears up for the third and final phase of Lok Sabha polls, eight candidates find themselves entangled in legal webs, with criminal cases looming over their electoral ambitions. Affidavits submitted by the candidates reveal a concerning trend, raising questions about the integrity and suitability of those vying for public office.
Among the contenders, AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, a familiar face in Dhubri’s political landscape, faces two pending cases related to promoting enmity between different groups and acts insulting to women’s modesty. Despite the allegations, no charges have been framed against him yet.
Joining Ajmal on the list is AGP’s Phani Bhushan Choudhury, contesting from Barpeta, with one case pending against him for alleged cheating and property acquisition through criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, UPPL’s Jayanta Basumatary, seeking victory in Kokrajhar (ST), faces accusations of causing hurt by obscene acts and songs.
Independent candidate Dulu Ahmed leads the tally with a staggering 15 pending cases, spanning charges from cheating to defamation and offenses against women’s modesty. Amitabh Sarma of Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal, aiming for victory in Guwahati, faces five cases, including sedition and criminal breach of trust.
Shukur Ali of Assam Jana Morcha, contesting from Dhubri, confronts charges related to criminal breach of trust and property acquisition. Independents Faruk Khan and Alakesh Roy, also in the Dhubri fray, face forgery and disobedience to public servant orders, respectively.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots on May 7, these revelations cast a shadow over the electoral landscape, underscoring the imperative for transparent governance and the judicious selection of representatives to uphold democratic values.
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