Guwahati, July 27: The political landscape in Assam witnessed a heated exchange between the state’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Assam unit of Congress, with the latter accusing the former of trying to deflect discussions on the critical situation in Manipur. The Twitter spat, indicative of the rising tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition parties, sheds light on the complexities of regional politics and the need for constructive dialogue on pressing issues.
It all began with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s statement about the Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) rebuilding the idea of India in Manipur. Reacting to this, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Gandhi, this inherent bias is precisely the problem of INDIA. Speak only against Manipur and punish those who speak for others. In BHARAT, our allegiance is towards each and every citizen – be it Manipur, Rajasthan, West Bengal, or Assam.”
Congress State President, Bhupen Kumar Borah, quickly responded, accusing Dr. Sarma of being a “master in manipulation” and adept at deflecting matters. He criticized the Chief Minister for not understanding the concept of priority despite being in various governmental positions for over two decades. Borah emphasized the need to address the pressing issues in Manipur, such as the civil war-like situation causing displacement of entire communities, rather than diverting discussions to less relevant topics.
The exchange between the two political leaders reflects the growing tensions between the BJP and the opposition parties in Assam. The Congress’s accusations of the Chief Minister’s media manipulation and deflection tactics highlight the challenges of fostering open and constructive dialogue in the region’s political arena.
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Amidst this verbal clash, the regional Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) also chimed in, criticizing the BJP for its arrogance. The AJP, which has lent its support to a mega alliance of parties across the country, expressed concerns about the BJP’s reaction to the formation of INDIA and accused the party of disrespecting INDIA at all levels, from the Prime Minister to the party and government. The AJP’s general secretary, Jagadish Bhuyan, who quit the BJP during the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act movement, questioned the BJP’s actions, likening them to the behavior of Kangsha during the time of Krishna’s birth.
The ongoing political tensions in Assam and the discussions surrounding Manipur highlight the need for greater emphasis on dialogue and cooperation between political parties. Regional stability and the well-being of citizens should be prioritized over political maneuvering and rhetoric. Constructive discussions and collaborative efforts are essential to address the pressing issues faced by different states in India.
The recent exchange of tweets between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Congress leadership in Assam underscores the complexities of regional politics and the challenges of fostering open and constructive dialogue. The focus should remain on addressing the critical situation in Manipur and finding lasting solutions to the issues faced by its citizens. Regional stability and unity must prevail over political differences for the greater good of the people and the nation as a whole.
