Guwahati, April 3 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday accused the Congress of encouraging infiltration to "sustain its vote-bank politics" in Assam and "compromising" the state's interests.
Addressing back-to-back election rallies, the former chief minister also charged the grand old party with "weakening" the social and cultural fabric of the state and "diminishing" the rights of indigenous people.
He asserted that the BJP-led NDA government has been working to build a strong and self-reliant Assam, which can meaningfully contribute to a developed India.
Sonowal also said that the ruling party is committed to safeguarding the culture and rights of the indigenous people.
Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Sonowal alleged that the party had historically "compromised the interests of Assam".
"The Congress committed a grave injustice to Assam. For years, it encouraged infiltration to sustain its vote-bank politics, thereby weakening the social and cultural fabric of the state and diminishing the rights of indigenous people," he alleged.
"Even today, the Congress is attempting to divide people for political gains. But the people of Assam are now aware. This election is not about the victory or defeat of a candidate; it is about determining our future," he said.
Addressing election rallies in Margherita, Majuli, and Khowang, the former Assam CM urged the people to vote for NDA for development, peace, and prosperity.
The BJP-led NDA government has been working with a "vision of building a strong and self-reliant Assam as part of a developed India," he said.
The upcoming assembly election is not merely a political contest but a defining moment for the Assamese people, Sonowal claimed.
"This is not just an election. It is our opportunity to safeguard the self-respect, identity, and rights of the Assamese people. Assam is the land shaped by the great legacy of Swargadeo Chaoulung Siu-Ka-Pha. Our identity, culture, language, and future are deeply rooted in this soil," he said.
Swargadeo Chaoulung Siu-Ka-Pha established the Ahom Kingdom.
Highlighting the achievements of the BJP-led government, Sonowal said that several historic steps have been taken to protect the rights of indigenous people. "Land rights have been secured for lakhs of families, eviction drives have been carried out to reclaim encroached land, and decisive measures have been taken to protect our heritage and dignity. Today, Assam has entered a new era of peace, development, and confidence," he added.
In Majuli, the constituency Sonowal had represented in the assembly as the chief minister, he urged the voters to elect a representative who would serve all sections of society with dedication over the next five years.
Recalling his association with the island constituency, Sonowal said, "When I came to Majuli in 2016 as a chief ministerial candidate, the people blessed me with immense love and support. They accepted me as their own and gave me the opportunity to serve Assam for five years. I remain forever grateful."
Highlighting development initiatives, Sonowal said that Majuli’s elevation to a district has significantly improved administrative accessibility, reducing the need for residents to travel to Jorhat or Dispur.
He added that the region has witnessed transformative changes over the past decade under the BJP-led government.
Elections for the 126-member assembly will be held on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled on May 4.