Congress MLA Rakibuddin Ahmed criticized the BJP for engaging in divisive politics and targeting the Miya-Muslim community. He raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls at the Boko-Chaygaon Co-District Commissioner’s office during a press conference in Assam. Ahmed emphasized the importance of maintaining social harmony in a state known for peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnicities, religions, and languages.
He denounced attempts to isolate the Miya-Muslims through a sustained political narrative, highlighting Assam’s tradition of inclusivity. Ahmed rejected the notion of equating Bengali speakers with Bangladeshi identity, emphasizing that Bengali is spoken in various Indian states like Tripura, West Bengal, and parts of Assam. He warned against using language as a basis for labeling individuals as outsiders, stressing the need to preserve unity and diversity.
Accusing the BJP of exploiting caste, religious, and community divisions for electoral gains, Ahmed asserted that such tactics undermine democratic values. He mentioned an incident at the Boko-Chaygaon Co-District Commissioner’s office on January 22, where BJP-affiliated leaders were allegedly involved in manipulating voter lists. Ahmed expressed serious concerns about electoral integrity, echoing previous allegations by senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and calling for a thorough investigation by the Election Commission of India.
