Bhupen Borah terms Himanta as part-time CM, accuses him of diverting syndicate fund for Jharkhand polls

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 4, 2024

Describing Himanta Biswa Sarma a “part-time Chief Minister,” Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah on Wednesday alleged that Sarma had spent half of his time in Jharkhand, diverting funds sourced from Assam syndicates to support the upcoming assembly elections in that state.

Addressing a press conference at her residence in Guwahati, Borah referred Sarma as India’s “finest ‘horse trader” and accused the BJP leadership of deploying Sarma in poll-bound Jharkhand only because Sarma would carry a big money bag with him.

Boral claimed that Sarma had already secured his first “horse” in former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and said that Sarma was actively looking to “buy” more political figures.

Borah expressed that Sarma has been a monumental disappointment to the people of Assam, particularly during a time when the state is grappling with severe crises such as floods and the planting of bombs by ULFA-I. Instead of addressing these urgent issues, Borah accused Sarma of being preoccupied with overshadowing future contenders for leadership in the post-Modi era, including Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and Nitin Gadkari.

“The source of money he spent in Jharkhand is Assam’s syndicate. A portion of syndicate money goes to Jharkhand, a portion is used for opening schools, resort, purchase of land in Majuli,” he said adding that the Central BJP leaders are keeping a blind eye to it. Because they know that the amount needed for an election of a state can be borne by Assam Chief Minister only,” he said.

Borah accused Sarma of making inflammatory statements against Muslims, which he claimed have created a toxic atmosphere and fueled hatred and division in the state. Borah criticized Sarma for his “loose tongue,” alleging that the Chief Minister often makes unsubstantiated, insensitive, and provocative remarks. According to Borah, these statements have not only caused trouble for Sarma but have also contributed to a growing sense of discord within the community.

Borah further criticized the Chief Minister by stating that Assam has seen a significant increase in crime, violence, and unrest under Sarma’s leadership, highlighting his inability to maintain peace and stability in the state.

Borah also claimed that Assam’s economy is dire, surviving mainly on loans, while Sarma’s family allegedly accumulates wealth through questionable means.

“Sarma’s government has failed to deliver on its promises from education to healthcare, flood management to job creation. Sarma’s family’s exponential wealth growth raises suspicions of corruption and cronyism,” he said.

“The people of Assam deserve better. They deserve a Chief Minister who prioritizes their welfare and works tirelessly for their benefit. Sarma must correct his priorities and put Assam first,” he also said.

Borah sharply slammed the Chief Minister, accusing him of viewing everything through the lens of Jihad, including concepts like “Love Jihad,” “Land Jihad,” and even “Flood Jihad.” Borah sarcastically remarked that only the Taliban could surpass Sarma in this regard, implying that Sarma’s rhetoric is extreme and divisive.

“If BJP thinks that by sending Himanta Biswa Sarma they would win Jharkhand, they are mistaken. See the record: what happened in Karnataka, what happened in Telangana. Wherever Himanta Biswa Sarma went, the BJP lost badly. So, given his record, why does the BJP still send him to various states? Because he carries a big money bag with him. Otherwise, where would the money from ‘syndicate’ activities be deployed,” he questioned.

The Congress leader criticized the Chief Minister for his comments on demographic changes in Jharkhand due to an alleged influx of Bangladeshis and suggested that Sarma’s statements on this issue were politically motivated and intended to stir fear and division, continuing his pattern of making inflammatory and unsubstantiated claims.

The Congress leader also questioned the BJP government and Chief Minister Sarma’s efforts to secure Assam’s borders and address the issue of illegal migration and pointed out that despite Sarma’s role as the Minister in charge of implementing the Assam Accord for over 13 years, the Indo-Bangladesh border remains unsealed, with more than 5 kilometres of the border in Karimganj district still porous.

He criticized Sarma for failing to fulfil the BJP’s promise to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which is intended to protect the rights and identity of the Assamese people. He also accused Sarma’s government of ignoring key recommendations, including those from the Biplab Sharma Committee and the H.K. Brahma Commission on land rights. According to Borah, Sarma has shown little interest in addressing these important issues, further disappointing those who expected action on these long-standing promises.

“He does not want to discuss the issue of granting ST status to six ethnic groups. But what he is doing? We have noticed that the Chief Minister has been spending half of his time in Jharkhand since June this year,” he said.

 “Sarma can’t give full time in Assam but continue to loot Assam to spend in Jharkhand. I have no objection if Himanta becomes a big BJP leader. But we need a full-time Chief Minister in Assam. If he can’t give full time in Assam he should hand over the charge to someone of his party,” the Congress leader also said.

The Congress leader further urged the people of Jharkhand not to be swayed by what he described as the polarizing rhetoric of India’s “most nasty politician,” referring to Chief Minister Sarma and appealed to the voters of Jharkhand to cast their votes with a clear conscience, rather than being influenced by divisive and inflammatory language.