Guwahati, 29th March: Amidst the buildup to the Lok Sabha polls, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stirred controversy by extending support to Congress leader Rakibul Hussain over sitting Dhubri Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal.
During a crucial meeting at the BJP headquarters in Guwahati on March 28, CM Sarma took aim at the Congress party, stating, “If I want, I will ensure Congress leader Rakibul Hussain wins the LS polls because if he stays in Delhi, many wild animals will be protected in the state. If we can send Hussain for 5 years to Delhi, I can withdraw a huge amount of police force from Kaziranga.”
This statement came in response to comments made by Rakibul Hussain regarding rhino poaching incidents in Kaziranga. Earlier, Hussain had criticized CM Sarma, claiming he couldn’t be moved even if “50 Himantas stood before him.”
In a counter to Sarma’s remarks, Hussain disclosed a previous interaction with the Chief Minister, alleging Sarma’s involvement in addressing the issue of rhino poaching. “Himanta Biswa Sarma had written a letter to me then when Tarun Gogoi was the CM. I will surely disclose the letter one day,” Hussain asserted.
Moreover, Hussain expressed skepticism regarding CM Sarma’s support for AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, suggesting that Sarma may be strategically waiting until after the initial phases of the election to bolster Ajmal’s chances.
The exchange of statements between CM Sarma and Rakibul Hussain has intensified political tensions in Assam, setting the stage for a contentious Lok Sabha election in the region.
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