AIUDF leader backs independent vote counting, calls for non-BJP government in Assam

Senior All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) leader Rafiqul Islam on Saturday, May 2 responded on the controversy surrounding the appointment of counting supervisors by the Election Commission of India in West Bengal, stating that the issue had raised concerns among opposition parties, including the Trinamool Congress.

Speaking to the media, Islam said the Trinamool Congress had approached the Supreme Court of India over the Election Commission’s decision to appoint both central and state government employees for vote counting duties in West Bengal. However, he noted that the party did not receive any special relief from the apex court.

According to Islam, the complaint centred on the Election Commission adopting a procedure in West Bengal that, he claimed, was not followed in other states. He alleged that the poll panel’s functioning in the state during both the election process and the counting arrangements had led to mistrust among opposition parties.

He said the opposition was now waiting for the declaration of results on May 4 and urged the Election Commission to ensure that the counting process is conducted independently and transparently.

Commenting on the political situation in Assam, Islam reiterated AIUDF’s stand in favour of a non-BJP government in the state. He stated that the party was prepared to extend full cooperation to any alliance or formation seeking to establish a government without the BJP.

The AIUDF leader expressed confidence that his party would secure between 10 and 12 seats in the Assembly elections and said the party would play a constructive role in the post-result political process if required.