Guwahati, April 1 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is unlikely to find electoral support in Assam, asserting that the regional sentiments of the state's voters would not favor an "outsider" political formation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an election campaign in Duliajan, Chief Minister Sarma remarked that the party's identity does not resonate with the people of Assam.
"The people of Assam will not vote for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Had its name been Assam Mukti Morcha, it would have been a different matter," he said, in an apparent jibe at the party's presence in the state.
The Chief Minister also reacted strongly to the Congress' reference to the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in its election manifesto, cautioning against politicizing a cultural figure.
He said that there are "two categories" of people who admire the singer – one that genuinely appreciates his contribution to music and culture, and another that approaches him from a political standpoint.
Chief Minister Sarma urged the Congress to remove references related to "justice" for Zubeen Garg from its manifesto, calling the move inappropriate and insensitive.
"The Congress should not insult Zubeen. Dragging him into electoral politics is not acceptable," he said.
The remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, with political parties sharpening their campaign narratives and targeting opponents over ideological and regional issues.
Chief Minister Sarma reiterated that the BJP remains confident of securing a strong mandate in the upcoming polls, citing its development agenda and connect with grassroots voters.
Political activity has picked up pace across Assam, with multiple parties, including national and regional players, stepping up their campaigns to influence voters in key Assembly constituencies ahead of the elections.