Bongaigaon, April 5 Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar asserted on Sunday that the people of Assam will vote against the politics of "polarization and intimidation", and will oust the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government.
He said that the voters of Bongaigaon were also ready for a change, and will end the Asom Gana Parishad's (AGP) continued dominance in the constituency for over 40 years.
Addressing a rally in support of Congress candidate Girish Baruah here, Kumar said, "Politicians think that by giving some thousands of rupees to the people, intimidating them through goons, polarizing in the name of religion, and entertaining them with reels, they can get away with anything."
"But by doing these things, they have attacked the pride of the Assamese people and culture, and the people will give a reply in this election," he said.
Kumar alleged that the state has been deprived on all fronts by the current BJP-led regime, including not giving Scheduled Tribe status to six communities, farmers not getting due prices for their produce, and the lack of new industries being set up.
"Even the existing industries have been shut down. While people's problems are mounting, the property of leaders keeps rising," he claimed.
Referring to the death of Zubeen Garg, he said, "With 'Bohag Bihu' approaching, people are remembering Zubeen da even more, and his performances during this Assamese New Year festival. But, this government has failed to deliver justice to him."
With Bongaigaon consistently electing AGP's Phani Bhusan Choudhury since 1985 and then his wife Diptimayee, who is seeking re-election, in the by-polls in 2024 after her husband became the local MP, the Congress leader urged the people to "vote for change" in the constituency.
"The AGP will not get its own chief minister. Only some of its leaders will earn commissions. My appeal to the AGP members here is to vote for the Congress nominee this time," Kumar said.
He maintained that people must hold the leaders accountable every five years so that they do not get away with anything.
"The common man has the power to change, and you must exercise this power to throw out this most corrupt and arrogant chief minister," he said.
Elections to the 126-member Assam assembly will be held on April 9. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.