Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday urged voters in Assam to remove the BJP-led government in the state, calling it the most corrupt government in the country, and attacked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for enriching himself instead of working for the people.
He noted the changing mood in the state and said it was reflected in his dealings with voters. Karg cited comments from the field and added that they indicated that the Congress would come to power and win 72-73 of the 126 seats.
“There is an opportunity for you [voters] To remove the most corrupt government in Assam. There is no other prime minister [like Sarma] “In a very corrupt and arrogant country,” he said at a press conference in Guwahati on the last day of campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 9.
He added that the people of Assam respect their culture and traditions and do not want an arrogant and rude Prime Minister. “Instead of working for the people, he enriched himself by acquiring countless companies, tea companies, and resorts…”
He referred to “serious allegations” against Sarma and his wife, and said the BJP governments at the state and the Center should investigate them. “But instead of doing that, if they file cases, so be it. We will face it no matter what,” he said, citing allegations against Sarma’s wife of possessing three passports and the family owning properties in Dubai and a company in the US.
Karg questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister, and the BJP’s ideological mainstay, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, about “such corruption” as they keep saying that nothing like this would be allowed under their rule. “You will not find such a corrupt prime minister in any other country.”
Karg accused the BJP government of running a syndicate, taking kickbacks and ceding thousands of acres of land to big companies. “Government ministers seized large areas of land.”
He said Sarma continues to target state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi. He cited poll statements made by the two state leaders and added that Sarma’s wealth had increased.
Jitendra Singh, the Congress member in charge of Assam, pointed out inconsistencies in Sarma’s affidavit and said the party had filed a petition before the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking his disqualification. “We don’t have much hope for the Election Commission of India as it works like BJP workers. But there are many contradictions in his affidavit. If necessary, we will approach the Supreme Court. Sarma may win the elections and even become prime minister, but sooner or later, he will be disqualified,” Singh said.
Karg highlighted Congress poll promises, including justice for singer Zubin Garg within 100 days if voted to power, unconditional monthly cash transfer to women’s bank accounts, and lump sum grants to women. $50,000 grants for women to start businesses. He said the Congress will come to power and accused the BJP of spreading rumors that if it loses these elections, its welfare schemes will end. “I want to assure everyone, especially women, that the schemes will continue and we will give them more than what they are getting now. It will be unconditional whether you vote for us or not.”
Karg rejected the BJP’s accusation that Congress is appeasing Muslims and is pro-Pakistan. He added that Congress always keeps the nation first. “they [BJP] They showed that the country did not gain its independence in 1947 and gained it only in 2014 after Modi came to power.”
