To polarise voters on religious lines: Protest erupts in Assam over BJP’s delimitation plan
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Guwahati: Protests erupted in Assam over the weekend as opposition parties and allies of the ruling BJP-led coalition voiced their discontent with the proposed delimitation plans. The draft proposal, released by the Election Commission (EC) on June 20, suggested changes to the geographical boundaries of constituencies in the state, which has sparked concerns among various political groups.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, AIUDF, and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), accused the BJP of attempting to polarize voters along religious lines and ignoring the sentiments of the people. They argue that the proposed delimitation would adversely affect the identity and representation of certain constituencies, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
On Saturday, AGP leaders held protests in the Amguri Assembly constituency of Sivasagar district, which is currently represented by Pradip Hazarika of the AGP. Local AGP leaders expressed their strong opposition to the merging of their constituency with another, stating that it would result in the loss of their identity. They vowed to continue their agitation until their concerns were addressed.
Meanwhile, the AIUDF staged protests in the Barak Valley districts on Friday, demanding the preservation of current boundaries and the names of constituencies. They argued that the proposed changes lacked justification and did not adequately account for population growth in the region.
In response to the growing unrest, a delegation comprising representatives from 12 opposition parties, including the Congress, announced their plans to visit Sivasagar district on June 30. The opposition parties selected Sivasagar due to the diverse communities and sub-groups residing there, who they believe have been disregarded by the BJP. They intend to present the grievances of the citizens to the Election Commission and highlight the historical perspectives that were allegedly overlooked.
Following their visit to Sivasagar, the delegation will tour the Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi on July 2 and 3. The purpose of this tour is to investigate the reduction of two assembly constituencies in the Barak Valley despite population growth. The delegation plans to compile their findings and travel to New Delhi on July 7-8, where they will submit a memorandum to the Election Commission outlining their concerns.
State Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah accused the BJP of pursuing religious polarization as the sole motive behind the draft proposal, without regard for the sentiments and aspirations of the people. He stressed the opposition's determination to prevent such polarization and protect the democratic principles of fair representation.
The Election Commission's draft delimitation proposal recommended maintaining the current number of assembly seats at 126 and Lok Sabha constituencies at 14 in Assam. However, it also proposed significant alterations to the geographical boundaries of several constituencies, including the elimination of some seats and the creation of new ones.
As tensions rise and opposition parties unite against the alleged religious polarization, Assam awaits further developments in the ongoing protests and the response of the Election Commission to the opposition's demands.