Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, during his visit to Kerala’s Wayanad and Ernakulam Lok Sabha constituencies, launched a scathing critique of the State’s governance and soaring fuel prices. He asserted Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the only leader capable of elevating Bharat to the status of Vishwa Guru (world leader).
Drawing attention to the exorbitant petrol prices in Kerala, which he found to be ₹106 per litre upon arrival, CM Himanta compared it to Assam’s rates, which stand at ₹97 per litre despite being a smaller State. Additionally, he highlighted disparities in pay for government employees, noting that Assam provides a 50 per cent pay raise while Kerala offers only 9 to 10 per cent. The Assam CM firmly stated his belief that neither the Congress nor the CPM understands how to govern a country effectively, asserting that the BJP and PM Modi possess the necessary competence for the task.
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Continuing his address, CM Himanta took aim at Rahul Gandhi, questioning his alliances and future choices. He highlighted Gandhi’s previous support for Arvind Kejriwal during the latter’s incarceration, suggesting an alignment between the two leaders. He further challenged Gandhi’s stance regarding Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, questioning whether he would maintain allegiances with the CPM or the BJP in potential scenarios involving Vijayan’s legal troubles.
CM Himanta then turned his attention to the post-election landscape, expressing uncertainty about the whereabouts of Oppositions but asserting confidence in PM Modi’s victory for a third term with a projected 400 seats.
Assam’s voracious leader highlighted the BJP’s goal to bring economic revolution and social transformation in Bharat, reiterating the country’s position as the fifth-largest economy globally. He credited this progress to visionary leadership, particularly PM Modi, whom he praised for his courage in pursuing initiatives like the Uniform Civil Code or UCC also known as Common Civil Code or CCC.
The Assam CM advocated for laws to eliminate child marriage and polygamy across all religions, citing his government’s actions during his tenure. He revealed that under his leadership, 12,000 individuals were arrested for facilitating marriages involving girls under 18 years old, following the implementation of legislation aimed at preventing child marriage.
Asserting that only PM Modi possesses the capability to bring about social justice by abolishing practices like triple talaq and implementing CCC, Himanta accentuated the importance of Modi’s leadership in driving such significant reforms.
Criticising Rahul Gandhi, CM Himanta raised questions about the Wayanad MP’s commitment to the constituency. He questioned whether Gandhi spends even two months a year in Wayanad and if he owns a residence there. CM Himanta also questioned Gandhi’s accessibility to the common people, asking if locals have the opportunity to speak with him directly over the phone or if he invites them to share meals with him in Delhi. Dr Himanta expressed bewilderment at why constituents continue to vote for Gandhi, accusing him of treating his visits to Wayanad like a mere tourist excursion rather than engaging deeply with local issues.
Continuing his attack, the Assam CM remarked expressed, “Rahul Gandhi decided to contest from Wayanad only to retain his fancy bungalow in Lutyen’s Delhi. He has been an absentee MP. This time the people will teach him a lesson for taking them for granted.”
Himanta reiterated the symbolic significance of a flag to a political party, likening it to a mother figure. He pointedly mentioned an incident where Rahul Gandhi filed nomination papers without displaying any party flag, allegedly due to pressure from the Muslim League. The Assam’s top leader contrasted this with PM Modi, asserting that no one could intimidate him in such a manner. He went further, suggesting that if the Muslim League dared to issue such threats, he would promptly send them packing to Pakistan.
Accusing Rahul Gandhi of engaging in appeasement politics, Himanta contended that Gandhi would readily change his stance if pressured by the Muslim League. He accused Gandhi of seeking a safe electoral seat without genuine concern for the people of Wayanad, contrasting this with BJP candidate K Surendran, whom he portrayed as “son of the soil” and deeply rooted in the constituency. Himanta asserted Surendran would represent the voice of the people in Parliament, in stark contrast to Gandhi, whom he accused of neglecting the region’s issues. According to Himanta, Gandhi has failed to initiate any new projects or facilitate development in Wayanad.
Himanta highlighted what he views as a deceptive relationship between Rahul Gandhi, the Congress, and the CPM, suggesting that while they appear to be at odds in Kerala, they maintain a cosy alliance across the nation. He used the term “ILU ILU” to describe this apparent camaraderie between the two parties, implying a superficial affection. Himanta urged the people of Kerala to look beyond traditional party affiliations and cast their votes for the BJP and PM Narendra Modi, whom he believes are the catalysts for Kerala’s development.
Expressing optimism for a political shift in Kerala, Himanta predicted that neither the CPM nor the Congress would emerge victorious in future elections. He asserted the BJP would rise to power in the State, ushering in a new era of governance.
Drawing parallels with Assam’s political scenario before 2016, Himanta reminded the audience that many doubted the BJP’s ability to form a government. However, with a commitment to inclusivity and development through the sabka saath sabka vikas or development for all mantra, the BJP overcame these challenges and achieved success. Himanta expressed confidence that, with the support of Kerala’s diverse communities, the BJP would embark on a similar journey of progress in the State.
Concluding his address, Himanta pledged to seek blessings from Ma Kamakhya in Assam for the people of Kerala and for PM Modi’s success.
In his post-roadshow remarks to the media, Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted the BJP’s integral role in shaping the future of South Bharat. He debunked the notion that the BJP cannot succeed in the region, asserting that the party’s inclusive approach resonates across communities.
Criticising the Congress’ purported focus on a single community, the Assam CM contrasted it with the BJP’s commitment to all segments of society. He highlighted that on record Congress said first right over resources of the nation lies with one community. In contrast, CM Himanta emphasised the BJP’s belief in equitable distribution, stating that resources should serve the interests of youth, women, SC/ST communities, farmers, and the hardworking masses. This, he argued, reflects the BJP’s dedication to representing and uplifting all sections of society.
