Guwahati, Jan 5: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 5 accused the Congress of collecting large sums of money in exchange for electoral tickets in Assembly constituencies dominated by a particular minority community.
Addressing a public gathering, Sarma claimed that Congress leaders were allegedly demanding between Rs 3 crore and Rs 5 crore per ticket in 22 to 23 constituencies. He said complaints and details related to the allegations would come to light in the coming days.
The Chief Minister said he felt deeply saddened for members of the Miya community, alleging that they were being exploited by the Congress through both votes and financial contributions. He alleged that some leaders were even collecting money to fund personal events, including weddings.
Sarma further accused the Congress of abandoning the same community during eviction drives. Referring to ongoing eviction operations in Tezpur, he said the party had failed to support people affected by government action.
He announced that encroachments would be cleared from nearly 5,000 bighas of land in the Tezpur area as part of the state’s land-clearing drive. Sarma reiterated that despite projecting itself as a defender of minority interests, the Congress did not stand by the community during times of crisis.
The Chief Minister said his remarks were driven by concern rather than political motives. The Congress had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
