Sherman Ali’s disqualification: Assam Congress to move HC against Speaker’s decision

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 5, 2025

Assam Congress plans to legally fight Speaker Biswajit Daimary’s rejection of a disqualification petition against suspended MLA Sherman Ali. They may escalate the case to the Supreme Court if needed.

The disqualification petition, filed by Congress MP Rakibul Hussain under the Tenth Schedule, accused Ali of defection, with evidence of public appearances supporting rival parties.

Ali was suspended in October 2021 for defying party norms.

Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati on Sunday, Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah criticized Ali for dishonouring the sacrifices of Assam Agitation martyrs and undermining Assamese sentiments. His controversial remarks and actions were condemned by various organizations.

Borah suggested the Speaker’s decision damaged the BJP’s political credibility and risks public trust in democratic institutions.

Borah emphasized the Assam Agitation’s legacy, highlighting its pivotal role in state politics and the Assam Accord of 1985.

No statewide alliances for Panchayat polls

Borah ruled out alliances with the ASOM (anti-BJP alliance) group for the upcoming panchayat elections. Local Congress units (DCCs) can decide on alliances at the grassroots level.

Potential statewide alliances will be considered post-panchayat elections, with joint programs planned, he said.

“Aspiring candidates have been invited to apply, and organizational restructuring is underway, with a 90% reshuffle planned to assign roles based on merit. Grassroots campaigns, including the “Jonai to Sonai Padayatra” and “Sadiya to Mandia Yatra,” will follow the panchayat elections,” he also said.

“Candidate selection for 2026 will begin once 400 days remain for the polls. A symbolic countdown clock will be installed across party offices to mark the BJP government’s remaining tenure,” he further said.

Borah accused the BJP of failing to deport foreigners and finalize the NRC, a key promise made in 2014. Despite Amit Shah’s claim of deporting 40 lakh foreigners, progress remains absent.

Drawing parallels to Vajpayee’s “India Shining” campaign, Borah argued that “Assam Shining” serves only elites while the majority struggles. He anticipates public rejection of the slogan.

Borah questioned the feasibility of borrowing Rs 10 lakh crore by 2028 when Assam’s current GDP is Rs 6.43 lakh crore and the state has a 48% debt-to-GDP ratio.

He highlighted Assam’s per capita income of Rs 1,53,787, lagging behind Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, and challenged the Chief Minister to improve these metrics.

Borah likened Assam’s fiscal dependency to individuals overspending on luxury items, calling it unsustainable.