GUWAHATI, May 2: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on May 2 levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission of India, claiming irregularities in the handling of strong rooms ahead of the Assam Assembly election vote counting scheduled for May 4.
Addressing the media, Gogoi alleged that BJP workers had gained access to strong rooms at multiple locations across the state and were present even during polling hours. He described the situation as a matter of concern, questioning the role of the Election Commission in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. According to him, such developments pose a serious threat to democratic norms.
The Congress leader further accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the electoral outcome, alleging that the ruling party was resorting to unfair means due to its inability to secure victory based on governance and performance. He stated that opposition parties had consistently raised these concerns and called for greater accountability.
Gogoi also pointed to similar apprehensions emerging from other states regarding the deployment and composition of personnel guarding strong rooms, suggesting a broader pattern that warrants scrutiny.
In addition to electoral concerns, he criticised the state government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging misuse of the police administration against political opponents. He claimed that pressing issues such as drug trafficking were not being addressed effectively, with law enforcement being diverted towards targeting opposition leaders instead.
Dismissing exit polls that predict a victory for the National Democratic Alliance, Gogoi termed them a “TRP-driven exercise” and argued that many voters were reluctant to express their views openly due to what he described as an atmosphere of fear.
Reacting to the recent anticipatory bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera by the Supreme Court, Gogoi said it was unfortunate that matters linked to the Assam Chief Minister were discussed in the apex court in a way he claimed had adversely affected the state’s image.
