‘CJP’s activities against Assam’s interests’: Himanta takes swipe at party, Congress

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 5 launched a sharp attack on the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saying its activities were “against the interests” of the people of Assam, while also taking a swipe at the Congress over its MLAs’ visit to Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi’s protest site.

Speaking to the media after attending the inauguration of the Bongaigaon Medical College and Hospital, Sarma was asked about CJP and its criticism of his government.

“CJP has not only been criticised by AASU, I have also criticised it. The activities of CJP are against the interests of the people of Assam,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister also rejected any suggestion of an understanding between the BJP and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), saying his views on the student body or other organisations were issue-based.

“There is no connection between AASU and the BJP. On some issues, I like AASU and sometimes I also like Akhil Gogoi. Our likes and dislikes are issue-based,” he said.

Sarma also questioned the relevance of CJP in Assam, pointing to the presence of several established student and community organisations in the state.

“There is no connection between CJP and Assam. Assam already has AASU, ABSU, the Koch-Rajbongshi organisation, the Rabha Students’ Union and several other organisations,” he said.

His remarks came amid a growing political exchange involving CJP and Assam’s established political and social organisations. AASU has also publicly highlighted ideological differences with CJP and urged the party to address issues concerning Assam and its indigenous communities.

‘Congress MLAs came because of Nagaon bypoll’

Taking a dig at the Congress over its MLAs’ visit to Gogoi’s protest site, Sarma said the development was linked to the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll.

“These things keep happening among them. Since the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll is tomorrow, the Congress MLAs have come today. The day after tomorrow, there may be another dispute among them,” he said.

Gogoi has been staging an indefinite protest at the Assam Assembly premises demanding enhanced compensation for flood-affected families. Sarma has separately accused the Raijor Dal MLA of attempting to take political credit for the government's relief measures.

‘No comment’ on Shyamkanu Mahanta bail

Asked about the rejection of bail for Shyamkanu Mahanta, an accused in the case related to the death of singer Zubeen Garg, Sarma declined to comment.

“This is a matter before the Supreme Court. I will not comment on it,” the Chief Minister said.