‘Tickets must not be sold for money’: Assam CM targets Congress, cites lavish weddings and cash-for-tickets claims

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that the party is selling election tickets in exchange for money and that senior leaders are using the funds to organise lavish wedding ceremonies.

Addressing the issue of seat-sharing, Sarma said the Bharatiya Janata Party would independently decide how many seats it allocates to its allies, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Gana Shakti and the BPF-UPPL alliance. “How many seats the BJP gives to AGP, Gana Shakti or BPF-UPPL is our decision,” he said.

Drawing a parallel, the Chief Minister said it was entirely the Congress party’s internal matter how many seats it gives to allies such as Raijor Dal or the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP). However, he underlined that there must be a clear line that should not be crossed. “There is only one thing that should not happen—tickets must not be sold for money,” Sarma said.

Reiterating his allegation, the Chief Minister claimed that tickets had already been purchased with money and that the proceeds were being used to host grand wedding ceremonies. “Everyone is watching. How much money the Congress has taken to give tickets will become clear after ticket distribution,” he said.

Sarma further claimed that once tickets are officially allotted, even the candidates themselves would speak out on the issue. “What I am saying today will also be said by the candidates on the day tickets are announced, because I have confirmed and reliable information. Others will echo the same allegations,” he asserted.

Taking a final swipe at the Congress, the Chief Minister alleged that this practice of collecting money—from weddings to elections—would continue throughout the poll process, accusing senior Congress leaders of turning ticket distribution into a means of fundraising rather than a democratic exercise.