Ahead of the upcoming Panchayat elections in Assam, a political storm has erupted. The Congress party has strongly accused the Assam Police of intimidating its candidates and influencing the electoral process in favor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On Wednesday, senior Congress leaders and supporters marched to the office of the Director General of Police (DGP), alleging that police personnel are harassing Congress-backed Panchayat candidates by registering false FIRs and issuing threats. The party claims this is part of a larger strategy to force their candidates to withdraw nominations and provide an unfair advantage to the BJP. This incident has sparked widespread political debate and raised serious concerns about the fairness of the election process.
Congress Accuses Police of Political Bias
The Assam Congress leadership has come forward with a serious allegation: that state police are not acting independently, but rather under the influence of the BJP-led state government. They claim that police officers in various districts are threatening Congress-backed candidates with criminal charges if they do not withdraw from the Panchayat race.
According to party spokespersons, these actions are not isolated but part of a coordinated plan. Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia stated, “It is shameful that law enforcement is being used as a political weapon. We demand a fair investigation and immediate cessation of this harassment.”
False FIRs and Threat Allegations
The Congress claims that at least a dozen of its candidates across different Panchayat constituencies have been targeted with false First Information Reports (FIRs). These FIRs reportedly accuse them of violations they never committed—ranging from public disturbance to illegal gatherings.
One candidate from Nagaon district said, “I was told by a local police officer that unless I step back from the election, I will be arrested within 24 hours. My only fault is that I am contesting as a Congress candidate.”
Such tactics, if true, are not only unethical but violate the constitutional rights of candidates to participate in a free and fair election.
March to DGP’s Office: Congress Demands Action
In a bold move to highlight the issue, Congress leaders organized a protest march to the Assam DGP’s office in Guwahati. Holding placards and raising slogans, they demanded immediate action against the officers involved in the alleged intimidation.
During the protest, former state Congress chief Ripun Bora said, “We are not asking for special treatment. We are simply demanding a level playing field. The Election Commission must take notice and intervene.”
The Congress also submitted a formal memorandum to the DGP, urging an internal inquiry into the behavior of police officers in the affected districts.
Impact on Panchayat Elections
The Panchayat elections in Assam are crucial for grassroots governance. These polls determine who manages local-level administration, development programs, and social welfare schemes. Allegations of intimidation threaten to derail the democratic process at the very base level.
Political analysts say if such practices go unchecked, it could create a dangerous precedent for future elections. Voter confidence in the democratic process may erode, especially in rural and vulnerable areas.
BJP Responds: Dismisses Allegations as Baseless
Responding to the accusations, BJP leaders in Assam dismissed the Congress claims as “baseless and politically motivated.” A party spokesperson said, “Congress is losing ground in Assam and is now trying to shift the blame to the police. Law enforcement acts according to law, not politics.”
The BJP also accused the Congress of trying to gain sympathy votes by spreading misinformation and attempting to polarize public opinion.
Call for Election Commission Intervention
With mounting tension, the Congress has formally approached the State Election Commission (SEC) to ensure neutrality and transparency in the election process. The party demanded deployment of central forces and independent observers in sensitive districts.
Election observers and civil society groups have also raised concerns and urged the SEC to closely monitor police activity in poll-bound areas.
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Conclusion
The allegations of political intimidation ahead of the Panchayat elections in Assam underscore the urgent need for electoral reforms and unbiased policing. As one of the largest democratic states in India, Assam’s electoral integrity is vital. Whether these claims hold legal merit will be determined in due time, but the incident has already cast a shadow over the election atmosphere. The coming weeks will reveal whether democratic norms can withstand the political heat in Assam.
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