Defeat of BJP must to save Assam, says citizen forum

Days after Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi-turned-activist joined the Congress-led bloc, a civic body said Opposition unity should translate into an anti-BJP resolution in the April 9 Assembly elections in Assam.

Assam Nagorik Sanmilani, led by academician Hiren Gohain and retired IPS officer Harekrishna Deka, said the divisive policies of the BJP are “hollowing out the identity of Assam from within”. It was stated that the BJP-led government has handed over the state’s vital natural resources to multinational companies in the last 10 years.

“The rule of law has disappeared; the Prime Minister’s word is now law. The people of Assam have no option but to dismiss this government and remaining in power for another five years would spell disaster for ordinary citizens,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

Insisting that the six Opposition parties’ decision to enter into a seat-sharing deal was a relief for people seeking a viable alternative, the collective said their unity “should spark a mass awakening” to defend democracy and confront the BJP directly.

He urged the opposition bloc to prioritize recovery of Assam’s resources for its people; ending mismanagement in education, health and job creation; creating real, accountable systems; centralization of power to promote the welfare of tribal and backward communities, solving the problem of illegal migration through proper implementation of the Assam Accord of 1985; and speedy justice for late cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

“We call on the opposition to immediately rally the public around a common minimum program focusing on these issues. Opposition unity must be concrete – seen in street-level mobilization and a concerted electoral struggle,” the collective said.