Assam CM Targets Congress In Muslim-Majority Locality Pitches Development Over 'Appeasement'

(MENAFN- IANS) Guwahati, Nov 10 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday sharpened his political attack on the Congress, accusing the party of neglecting development in a Muslim-majority constituency that has traditionally supported it, while projecting the BJP's governance model as one based on development rather than“appeasement”.

In a post on X, Sarma highlighted the condition of a road in Laharighat constituency in the Morigaon district with a picture of a local youth carrying a poster claiming that the locality had continued to face poor infrastructure despite repeatedly electing Congress representatives.

“Look at this picture carefully. This man is from Laharighat, a Muslim-majority constituency that has always voted Congress. Its roads are in a dismal state because the local MLA never recommends projects for them,” the Chief Minister said.

Sarma said the issue had now been brought to his notice and assured that the state government would undertake the construction of the road.

“His request has now reached me, and I will get this road built. Development for all, appeasement of none,” he said.

The Chief Minister's intervention carries a strong political message as the BJP seeks to expand its support base in Assam's minority-dominated regions, where the Congress has traditionally enjoyed significant electoral backing.

Sarma has repeatedly accused the Congress of pursuing what the BJP describes as minority appeasement while failing to deliver development and improve basic infrastructure in areas that have remained loyal to the party.

By specifically referring to Laharighat as a Muslim-majority constituency and its long-standing voting pattern, Sarma sought to turn the spotlight on the Congress' governance record in its traditional strongholds.

The BJP-led Assam government has increasingly attempted to frame the political contest in the state around welfare delivery and infrastructure, arguing that development benefits should reach all communities without consideration of religion or voting preferences.

The latest remarks are also significant in the backdrop of Assam's increasingly polarised political discourse.

Sarma's message from Laharighat appears aimed at reinforcing the BJP's larger political pitch -- that electoral loyalty to a particular party should not come at the cost of roads, welfare and development.

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