Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and former MP Maulana Badruddin Ajmal on Sunday launched a sharp political attack on both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, alleging a “secret understanding” between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Congress over ongoing eviction drives in the state.
In an open letter to the Chief Minister, Ajmal claimed that the authorities were conducting eviction drives—particularly in minority-dominated areas—in a way that could politically benefit the Congress ahead of the next elections.
He alleged that Congress’s silence on the issue pointed to tacit support for the government’s actions.
“You are continuing eviction drives against minority Muslims to give political advantage to the Congress in the upcoming elections,” Ajmal wrote, further claiming that the Chief Minister was preparing the ground for a post-election political realignment. The Congress has not responded to these allegations so far.
Ajmal reiterated AIUDF’s opposition to the eviction drives and appealed to the government to pause the exercise at least until winter ends and ongoing examinations conclude.
“We urge you to stop the eviction drives during this harsh winter and at a time when students are preparing for crucial examinations,” he said.
Ajmal alleged that authorities have recently issued eviction notices to 522 families in Hailakandi district and to residents of several villages in Nagaon, including Roumari, Botamari, Bandar Chariali and Rajabari.
He maintained that the eviction drives have disproportionately affected minority Muslims and economically weaker sections, leaving families vulnerable during extreme weather conditions.
“We have no objection if eviction drives are carried out after proper rehabilitation of poor and landless people who are occupying government land. Without rehabilitation, such actions cause immense suffering,” he said.
Highlighting the human impact, Ajmal said the ongoing cold wave has compounded the hardship faced by displaced families. “Women, children and students are bearing the brunt. With school, college and university examinations approaching, students are finding it extremely difficult to cope amid displacement and uncertainty,” he added.
The AIUDF leader said his party would continue to oppose eviction drives that, according to him, lack adequate humanitarian safeguards.
However, the state government has repeatedly stated that it is carrying out eviction drives to reclaim government land and enforce the rule of law, reiterating this position on multiple occasions.
The political exchange comes at a time of heightened tensions ahead of upcoming electoral battles in Assam, with eviction policies increasingly becoming a flashpoint between parties.