1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expresses support for Congress leader Rakibul Hussain over Badruddin Ajmal.
2. Sarma’s stance emerged during a key BJP meeting in Guwahati regarding election strategy.
3. His preference for Hussain signals underlying political tensions ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Guwahati, March 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stirred controversy by expressing his support for Congress leader Rakibul Hussain over sitting Dhubri Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
During a crucial meeting at the BJP headquarters in Guwahati on March 28 to discuss the party’s election strategy, Sarma made his stance clear, indicating his preference for Hussain over Ajmal.
Speaking to the media during the meeting, Sarma took a swipe at the Congress party, stating, “If I want, I will ensure that 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.”
Sarma’s remarks were in response to comments made by Hussain regarding rhino poaching incidents in Kaziranga. Hussain had criticized Sarma’s handling of the issue and challenged the Chief Minister’s authority.
In a press conference earlier, Hussain asserted that he would not be swayed by Sarma’s influence, even if “50 Himantas” stood before him. He also hinted at a contentious history between him and Sarma, suggesting that he possessed compromising information about the Chief Minister.
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Hussain disclosed that Sarma had previously sought his assistance in addressing rhino poaching in Kaziranga during Tarun Gogoi’s tenure as Chief Minister.
However, Hussain claimed that Sarma’s promises were not fulfilled, and he implied that Sarma’s connections with extremists might be hindering efforts to combat poaching effectively.
Regarding Badruddin Ajmal, the leader of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Hussain alleged that Sarma was initially focused on ensuring Ajmal’s victory in the polls.
However, Hussain speculated that Sarma might be strategizing to support Ajmal only after the initial phases of the election.
The statements from both Sarma and Hussain underscore the intense political dynamics at play in Assam as parties gear up for the Lok Sabha polls.
Sarma’s unexpected support for a Congress candidate over his own party’s rival, coupled with Hussain’s allegations, adds layers of intrigue to the electoral landscape in the state.
