'Assam is not a dumping ground': Sivsagar groups protest over ‘outside voters’, CM's effigies burnt

Sivsagar witnessed intense protests as the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and the Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS) took to the streets on November 20, opposing the Election Commission’s decision to allow out-of-state workers to register as voters in Assam.

Demonstrators gathered at Doulmukh Chariali, burning effigies of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and shouting slogans “Don’t make Assam a dumping ground,” calling them "outside voters."

Protesters alleged that the policy is an attempt by the BJP government to influence the 2026 Assembly elections by bringing in “illegitimate voters” from outside the state. They claimed that individuals arriving just days before the polls could now register and vote.

One protester accused the Chief Minister of failing to deliver justice in the Zubeen Garg death case or secure Sixth Schedule status for six tribal groups, while “focusing on bringing outside voters to win elections.”

The agitation followed remarks from Chief Electoral Officer Abhishek Goel, who recently announced that migrant workers living in Assam will be eligible to register as voters for the 2026 elections.