NPCC criticises Himanta Sarma’s campaign remarks, warning divisive politics could harm democracy and social harmony ahead of Assam elections.
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DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) on Wednesday criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks during the ongoing election campaign, calling them derogatory and unconstitutional, and warning that such “divisive politics” posed a danger to the Northeast.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Dimapur, NPCC working president C Apok Jamir said politicians, irrespective of party, must adhere to the Constitution and election guidelines, and avoid personal attacks.
Taking particular exception to Sarma’s comments against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and his family, Jamir said it was unacceptable for a chief minister to engage in such language. He likened it to “punching below the belt” and said such repeated conduct reflected a deteriorating political climate.
Also read: Assam CM terms charges by Congress leaders as 'malicious'; files INR 500 cr defamation case
He alleged that dissent and debate were being stifled, saying, “One is not given the opportunity to speak, put their thoughts forwards or express their ideas for the benefit and interest of the people,” and added that this curbing of fundamental rights was a matter of serious concern.
With the Assam Assembly election expected soon, Jamir said the “divisive tendencies and utterances” being projected by the Assam chief minister, particularly against minority communities, were dangerous.
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He appealed to people across the Northeast to stand against divisive politics and protect their rights and freedoms, stating that unity and harmony were essential for the region’s progress.
NPCC vice-chairman (social media) Kumjimong said developments in Assam had implications for the entire Northeast, not just that state. He described Sarma’s approach as disappointing and accused him of using “hateful propaganda and malicious character assassination” for electoral gain.
He alleged that such politics was spreading a “dangerous toxin” that threatened the region’s social harmony, and expressed solidarity with the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and Gaurav Gogoi.
NPCC vice-chairman (media) Andrew Humtsoe said allegations must be backed by evidence and that “character assassination is not politics.” He warned that defamation as a political tool undermined democracy, which, he said, deserved debate rather than personal attacks.
Responding to a question on Sarma filing an INR 500 crore defamation case against Gogoi, Jamir said that while it was Sarma’s prerogative, the larger issue was allegations of corruption, land grabbing and deprivation of tribal interests linked to the Assam chief minister. He said the courts would determine the facts in due course.
“As a party we are mostly standing for the rights of the people by and large. And even if defamatory case is filed, the court it will take its own due course and facts the truth will prevail ultimately,” he said.
Jamir also urged the government of India to expedite resolution of the Naga political issue, saying that it should not appear as though they are delaying talks.
“These are some of the opinions floating in the minds of many seniors as well as many people at the ground level, which I do not think are healthy or credible,” he remarked.