Assam BJP rejects Akhil Gogoi’s poll rigging claim
GUWAHATI: Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia Wednesday strongly rejected allegations by Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi that the ruling party was planning to manipulate electoral rolls, calling the claims “misleading” and an attempt to “fool the public.”
Saikia was responding to Gogoi’s social media post, where the opposition MLA named him directly and alleged that a recent BJP video conference discussed plans to delete voters who do not support the party. Gogoi claimed that at least 60 constituencies were targeted, with around 10,000 voters per constituency allegedly marked as “hostile.”
“These screenshots he released around 9.30 last night were already shared publicly by our office bearers after a video conference on January 4,” Saikia said at a news conference.
“There is nothing secret about them. Akhil Gogoi is trying to mislead people. These documents have no face value.”
Questioning inconsistencies in the opposition’s claims, Saikia pointed out conflicting figures cited by opposition leaders. “Akhil Gogoi said 60 constituencies, Lurinjyoti said 31. Why this disparity? At least they should agree on one number and one statement,” he said.
Saikia stressed that electoral roll revision is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI), not political parties. “Such allegations have surfaced in other states like Bihar as well, and later the truth came out during elections,” he said.
Explaining the need for routine voter list updates, Saikia said inaccuracies are common at the village level. “Every year, four or five people die in a village, but their names often remain on the rolls. Some girls get married and move away, but their names are not deleted. New daughters-in-law come, but their names are not added. Inclusion and deletion are normal processes,” he said.
He added that Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by political parties, help monitor this process, but the final authority rests with the ECI. “We need a correct voter list. It is the need of the hour,” he said.
Saikia clarified that while a Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls is underway, the BJP is demanding a Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
“SIR determines who the genuine voters of the country are. Only genuine Indian citizens should be voters,” he said, adding that inclusion in the voter list does not automatically establish citizenship.
Referring to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Saikia said the BJP had rejected it due to alleged flaws. “Lakhs of names appeared in voter lists despite questions over citizenship. These names were added during the Congress government. The ECI reviews voter lists every 20 years, but no such revision has happened in the last two decades,” he claimed.
He urged citizens to raise objections if they find suspicious entries. “If anyone finds unknown names in the voter list, they should immediately complain to the ECI. This issue must be taken seriously,” he said.
On political strategy, Saikia said the BJP is still collecting feedback from districts and that an internal survey is ongoing. “The report will be sent to the central committee and then to the BJP Parliamentary Board for a final decision,” he said.
He also indicated that initial discussions on electoral alliances with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) would begin before Magh Bihu.
“We may or may not have alliances, but everyone must agree that the NDA should form the government for a third term,” Saikia said. Addressing concerns raised by BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary about alliance dynamics involving UPPL, Saikia added, “Some issues need discussion. Once we talk, minds will soften. We hope to fight as one.”
Saikia concluded by saying that while alliance talks are not easy, efforts are ongoing. “Winning ultimately depends on the people,” he added.
https://indigenousherald.com/
Saikia was responding to Gogoi’s social media post, where the opposition MLA named him directly and alleged that a recent BJP video conference discussed plans to delete voters who do not support the party. Gogoi claimed that at least 60 constituencies were targeted, with around 10,000 voters per constituency allegedly marked as “hostile.”
“These screenshots he released around 9.30 last night were already shared publicly by our office bearers after a video conference on January 4,” Saikia said at a news conference.
“There is nothing secret about them. Akhil Gogoi is trying to mislead people. These documents have no face value.”
Questioning inconsistencies in the opposition’s claims, Saikia pointed out conflicting figures cited by opposition leaders. “Akhil Gogoi said 60 constituencies, Lurinjyoti said 31. Why this disparity? At least they should agree on one number and one statement,” he said.
Saikia stressed that electoral roll revision is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI), not political parties. “Such allegations have surfaced in other states like Bihar as well, and later the truth came out during elections,” he said.
Explaining the need for routine voter list updates, Saikia said inaccuracies are common at the village level. “Every year, four or five people die in a village, but their names often remain on the rolls. Some girls get married and move away, but their names are not deleted. New daughters-in-law come, but their names are not added. Inclusion and deletion are normal processes,” he said.
He added that Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by political parties, help monitor this process, but the final authority rests with the ECI. “We need a correct voter list. It is the need of the hour,” he said.
Saikia clarified that while a Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls is underway, the BJP is demanding a Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
“SIR determines who the genuine voters of the country are. Only genuine Indian citizens should be voters,” he said, adding that inclusion in the voter list does not automatically establish citizenship.
Referring to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Saikia said the BJP had rejected it due to alleged flaws. “Lakhs of names appeared in voter lists despite questions over citizenship. These names were added during the Congress government. The ECI reviews voter lists every 20 years, but no such revision has happened in the last two decades,” he claimed.
He urged citizens to raise objections if they find suspicious entries. “If anyone finds unknown names in the voter list, they should immediately complain to the ECI. This issue must be taken seriously,” he said.
On political strategy, Saikia said the BJP is still collecting feedback from districts and that an internal survey is ongoing. “The report will be sent to the central committee and then to the BJP Parliamentary Board for a final decision,” he said.
He also indicated that initial discussions on electoral alliances with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) would begin before Magh Bihu.
“We may or may not have alliances, but everyone must agree that the NDA should form the government for a third term,” Saikia said. Addressing concerns raised by BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary about alliance dynamics involving UPPL, Saikia added, “Some issues need discussion. Once we talk, minds will soften. We hope to fight as one.”
Saikia concluded by saying that while alliance talks are not easy, efforts are ongoing. “Winning ultimately depends on the people,” he added.
https://indigenousherald.com/