Will continue to ask questions on pressing issues: Bhupen Borah to Himanta Biswa

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 22, 2024

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah responded to a remark made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had suggested that the Congress should direct its questions to its own leaders from previous generations.

In his response, Borah emphasized that the Congress party would continue to ask questions on real issues affecting the people, irrespective of the Chief Minister’s attempt to deflect responsibility.

Borah criticized Sarma stating that the BJP-led government was changed with the promise of fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people, which the Congress allegedly failed to meet. Borah emphasized that when the opposition raises questions on pressing issues, the Chief Minister tries to avoid giving direct answers.

“The Chief Minister is attempting to confuse and mislead the public rather than addressing the concerns raised. When we asked Sarma whether the central government had informed him about any plans or decisions regarding the formation of an Upper House (Legislative Council) in Assam,” Borah said.

Borah referred to the Chief Minister’s comments about implementing the recommendations of the Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma Commission concerning Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. “During a press conference at the BJP office, the Chief Minister stated that out of the 67 recommendations made by the commission, 57 fall under the authority of the state government and would be implemented,” Borah said.

The implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, which focuses on safeguarding the identity and culture of the indigenous people of Assam, is a sensitive and important issue in the state.

Borah raised pertinent questions about the recommendations from the Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma Commission focusing on those that fall under the central government’s authority. He asked what the central government’s stance or progress is on implementing those recommendations.

The Congress leader also referenced a 2014 advertisement published in Assam Tribune on April 7, where it was promised that Clause 6 of the Assam Accord would be implemented.

He further alleged that Sarma frequently tries to mock the opposition to avoid scrutiny, particularly over unresolved or ongoing issues to cover the cases related to alleged family corruption.

“This is a strategy employed by the Chief Minister to evade accountability and focus public discourse on irrelevant matters, rather than engaging with the concerns brought forward by the opposition,” he added.

He appeared to question the sincerity and transparency of Sarma’s leadership, pressing him to answer directly rather than resorting to mockery.