Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has alleged a “clandestine understanding” between the BJP and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of turning to AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal during political difficulties.
Addressing an election rally at Kolmoubari in support of Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora, Gogoi said Sarma summoned Ajmal “just like a 108 ambulance service”. His allegations echoed earlier Congress claims of an understanding between the BJP and AIUDF, which both parties have disputed.
Referring to Ajmal’s defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Dhubri and his loss in South Salmara in the 2016 Assembly election, Gogoi said Sarma was now attempting to “pump air into the punctured tyre of AIUDF”.
Gogoi also targeted BJP candidate Devasish Sharma, alleging that during his tenure as a district commissioner, he “pushed back” innocent people into Bangladesh and subjected residents to harassment through eviction drives. The allegations were made during the election rally.
He further criticised the BJP-led government over its policies on madrasas and evictions and alleged the use of “fake encounters”. Gogoi accused Sarma of pursuing communal politics and contrasted the BJP-led government with the administration of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, whom he said had maintained peace and harmony during his 15-year tenure.
Appealing for support for Sibamoni Bora, Gogoi described her as a “courageous and dedicated leader”. He also recalled her late father Kiran Bora’s role during the Nellie massacre and claimed that the former MLA had saved thousands of lives.
Opposition Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and former CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar also addressed the rally and alleged that the BJP was weakening democracy.
Gogoi later addressed another rally at Moirabari in support of Bora. Congress leaders Wazed Ali Choudhury and state co-in-charge Manoj Chauhan were also present.
The Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election is scheduled for October 6, with counting on October 9. The contest includes BJP candidate Devasish Sharma, Congress nominee Sibamoni Bora and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, among others.
