Protests calling for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar have continued across New Delhi, prompting Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to characterise the unrest as an effort to bring about a change of government, drawing parallels with political upheaval seen in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press briefing held at Loksewa Bhawan in Guwahati, Sarma alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi resorts to attacking democratic institutions and misleading party members whenever electoral outcomes turn against him or appear likely to do so. Sarma further contended, through a written statement, that the current agitation is aimed at bringing about a change of government in India without the mandate of voters.
Sarma attributed the unrest to the influence of outside interests that, in his view, have no stake in the country's advancement. He also attributed the protests to what he characterised as frustration within a constituency he referred to as "dimagi naxals."
Sarma separately put forward the position that the government's campaign against Naxalism, its measures toward peace in the Northeast, and military operations conducted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure had together strengthened the nation. On the matter of Rahul Gandhi, he expressed the view that Gandhi resorts to such tactics as a way of diverting Congress workers' attention whenever an election loss has occurred or appears to be on the horizon.
Sarma raised doubts about the Congress party's organisational readiness, pointing to data showing that polling agents were absent from more than 70 percent of booths during the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll. He contrasted that gap with the presence of agents fielded by BJP, AIUDF, and independent candidates at those same locations.
He contended that the crowds assembled in New Delhi had been transported in from Assam and other regions, and that Gandhi's movement lacked the organisational depth or popular roots to sustain the protests over time. Sarma reinforced that position by arguing that the numbers and broader support were not present to keep the demonstrations going.
Some critics have raised concerns that Gandhi's conduct is working against the principles that underpin democratic governance. Sarma went further, contending that the true aim was to put pressure on the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India, and that everyday people would ultimately stand against what he characterised as Gandhi's political tactics.
On the matter of Gandhi's Wayanad election certificate, Sarma posed the question of why the Congress leader had not returned it as a gesture of protest.
Sarma also put forward a challenge to Congress members of the Assam legislature who took part in the demonstrations, calling on them to step down on the grounds that their electoral mandates were secured during the period when Gyanesh Kumar held the position of Chief Election Commissioner. He further noted that electronic voting machines had been introduced under a Congress-led government, not under BJP governance.
Sarma put forward a conditional offer to contest elections in Assam through paper ballots, provided the Kerala government stepped down from office first.
Assam's BJP state unit has scheduled a series of gatherings at district headquarters to express support for democratic principles, with those events set to begin on October 13.
