Guwahati: A group of prominent citizens under the banner of Axom Nagarik Sanmilan has strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, terming his recent actions and public statements as “highly deplorable” and “undemocratic,” even as the state concluded its Assembly elections.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the group said that although polling in Assam remained largely peaceful with only a few isolated incidents, developments before and after the elections have raised “grave concerns” about democratic functioning in the state.
Referring to allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Sanmilan accused the Chief Minister of misusing state machinery instead of addressing the charges through legal means. The statement claimed that rather than rebutting the allegations with evidence or seeking judicial recourse, police were deployed beyond Assam, including in Delhi, to target Khera.
“The Chief Minister has no authority to direct such partisan action. A person in high office must respond with facts or pursue defamation if the allegations are false,” the statement said.
The organisation also alleged selective use of police powers in Assam. It cited a complaint filed on April 4 by Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury at Panbazar Police Station regarding alleged AI-generated deepfake videos targeting her and her family. According to the Sanmilan, no action has been taken on the FIR so far.
In contrast, the group claimed that Chowdhury’s social media handler was detained late at night, while the candidate herself was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case. It further alleged that the residence of AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi was recently raided.
Raising concerns over press freedom, the Sanmilan accused the Chief Minister of issuing threats to certain media houses for criticising him. “Speaking truth to power is the sacred duty of the media — the fourth pillar of democracy. Such intimidation strikes at the very root of democratic norms,” the statement read.
With the elections now concluded and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) secured in strong rooms, the organisation called for “eternal vigilance” to ensure transparency and prevent any interference during the counting process.
The statement was issued on behalf of Axom Nagarik Sanmilan and endorsed by noted personalities including Hiren Gohain, Harekrishna Deka, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Paresh Malakar, Abdul Mannan, and Santanu Borthakur.