Guwahati: The Axom Nagorik Sanmilan has accused the BJP of adopting what it described as an opportunistic approach ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, alleging that the party has changed its position towards the state’s Muslim community for electoral gains.
In a statement, the organisation alleged that BJP leaders had previously targeted and harassed the community but were now seeking its support following the announcement of the by-election.
The organisation also criticised the BJP candidate, alleging that he had earlier been involved in eviction drives targeting the community and had subsequently sought its support during the election campaign.
The Sanmilan further alleged that the candidate had earlier been appointed to administrative positions in two districts under the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency, which it claimed enabled him to gain detailed knowledge of the region ahead of the election.
The organisation alleged that the BJP had resorted to electoral violence, claiming that vehicles belonging to Sibamoni Bora and Gaurav Gogoi were attacked. It strongly condemned the incidents and demanded that those responsible be arrested and punished at the earliest.
The statement expressed concern over what it described as a lack of urgency in the Congress campaign, while also criticising other opposition parties for not participating more actively in the contest.
The Sanmilan appealed to opposition and democratic forces to set aside differences and work together in the Nagaon by-election.
The statement was signed by Hiren Gohain, Harekrishna Deka, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Paresh Malakar, Santanu Borthakur and Abdul Mannan on behalf of the Axom Nagorik Sanmilan.