Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls known as SIR and allegations of vote theft. He issued a direct political challenge, stating that if Congress is willing to have Rahul Gandhi resign from his Lok Sabha membership and have all Congress-ruled state governments step down from power, he is fully prepared to contest fresh elections in Assam using ballot papers. Sarma also targeted the governments of Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana, claiming that these administrations were also formed through alleged vote theft during the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Press Conference in Guwahati Questions Anti-Election Commission Campaign
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Chief Minister Sarma questioned the ongoing anti-Election Commission campaign led by the Congress party. He stated that if Rahul Gandhi and Congress are prepared for their respective state governments to resign, he is ready to fight an election through ballot papers. He reiterated that the governments of Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana should step down because power was allegedly secured in those regions through vote theft during the tenure of Gyanesh Kumar.
Strong Defense of the Special Intensive Revision Process
Defending the SIR process, Sarma asserted that this procedure is vital for controlling demographic shifts within the country. He explained that SIR is urgently needed in India because large-scale illegal migration has altered the demographics of Assam, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. According to him, illegal immigration occurs every single day, and if authorities fail to remove such names from the electoral rolls, India's core demographics will be permanently changed.
Demand for Periodic SIR Revisions Every Five Years
Emphasizing the long-term protection of the nation, he demanded that the SIR process must be conducted once every five years without fail. He argued that only through this measure can the Indian democratic system be properly safeguarded against demographic alterations. The Chief Minister stressed that maintaining proper records is essential for national stability.
Allegations of Acting at the Behest of Foreign Forces
The Chief Minister further accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of operating under the directives of foreign forces. Sarma alleged that they are attempting to destroy all core democratic institutions in the nation and want to transform India into countries resembling Nepal and Bangladesh.
Remarks on Sanatan Dharma and Protests
Bringing up Sanatan Dharma while targeting Rahul Gandhi, Himanta Biswa Sarma remarked that they should learn to respect Sanatan before engaging in any form of political spectacle. His remarks arrived at a time when Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the INDIA alliance have been staging protests against the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner. Sarma questioned the true intentions behind the protests organized by Congress, dismissing them as politically motivated.
