GOHPUR: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today launched into a tirade against Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Ripun Bora in his former Constituency of Gohpur, and claimed that the ensuing election will be a contest to assert the identity of Assam against the Congress' alleged attempt to "hand it over to Mughals."
"I have heard that Ripun Bora wishes to be the chief minister. My question is -- will he be the chief minister of Assam or Bangladesh? He has taken the support of Ajmal Chacha. Perched atop Ajmal's chest -- can one be the chief minister from Kanaklata Barua's land?," Biswa Sarma said, adding, "This election is crucial as it is between Mughal and Assamese."
"When Tarun Gogoi thundered against Badruddin Ajmal, Gohpur elected Ripun Bora as its representative. However, this time, they have sold themselves out in their greed to become Ministers," Biswa Sarma added.
Although Utpal Borah of the BJP won from the Constituency in 2016, he is expected to be given a stiff challenge by Bora -- a 2-time former MLA from the Constituency. Bora and the Congress will be buoyed by allies AIUDF and BPF, which will be 'helping' the grand old party organize its support base all across Assam.
Issuing a stern warning to the Congress leader, he added: "If you (Bora) had contested earlier, you would have received 10,000 votes. This time, however, you should not receive a single vote -- not eveN those of your familY. People who cling to Ajmal seeking power should be dumped into the Brahmaputra."
Biswa Sarma said that if the Congress-AIUDF comes to power, 'Miya' institutions will be set up across Assam, thereby 'diluting' the culture of the state.
"In Assam, they will write Miya poetry, Miya schools will be set up, in Sankardeva Kalakshetra they will set up Miya museums. However, Bora will say that since Ajmal will address Sankardeva with respect it is all good. He (Bora) should go away to Bangladesh instead of loitering around here like this," he said.