"Ajmal continues to praise Himanta": TMC leader Sherman Ali raises questions over AIUDF

Trinamool Congress (TMC) Assam leader Sherman Ali has criticised the Congress and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal over their alleged handling of issues concerning landless people, encroachment drives and minority representation in Assam.

Ali said many people in the state continue to remain landless and live on government land without access to stable livelihoods, quality education, healthcare and meaningful rehabilitation. He alleged that such people are instead displaced whenever eviction drives are carried out.

Targeting Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora, who is contesting the Nagaon bypoll, Ali said she had served as an MLA alongside him but failed to raise issues concerning her constituency, Batadrava.

“Sibamoni Bora, the Congress candidate, was an MLA alongside me during my term in the Assembly. But she failed to raise the concerns of her own constituency, Batadrava. She did not speak up against the inhuman encroachment drives carried out there,” Ali said.

He also criticised Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi, who, according to Ali, had contested from Nagaon twice, alleging that he too had not spoken against the eviction drives.

“Congress only looks at people as a vote bank; it does not genuinely work for their welfare,” Ali said.

Ali further questioned Congress' decision not to field a minority candidate from Nagaon, a constituency with a significant minority population.

He contrasted this with the TMC's decision to field a minority candidate, saying West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee was committed to secular politics and had chosen the candidate keeping the interests of the constituency in mind.

Ali also targeted AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, who has represented the Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency for several terms. He questioned Ajmal's political relationship with the BJP and cited statements attributed to Ajmal's son and brother.

“His son has made remarks about a ‘lungi, topi ki sarkar’, while his brother has described Himanta Biswa Sarma as the best Chief Minister ever,” Ali said.

He alleged that these statements were at odds with the Assam government's position on the state's Muslim population and cited Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's public remarks regarding votes from the state's “Miya” community.

“Even after all this, Ajmal continues to praise the Chief Minister. Whenever the media asks him about Himanta Biswa Sarma, he refuses to speak,” Ali said.

Ali further alleged that Ajmal's priority was to maintain a favourable relationship with the ruling establishment and protect his business interests.

“Ultimately, the people must examine the record and choose their representatives wisely. We have fielded a capable candidate,” Ali said.