Political controversy surrounds Assam Accord implementation ahead of 2026 elections

As Assam gears up for the 2026 assembly elections, the implementation of the Assam Accord, particularly Clause 6, has sparked significant political debate. With the state’s political landscape in flux, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party are positioning themselves around this pivotal issue. Assam Congress leader Ripun Bora has accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of using the Accord as a “political gimmick” to secure electoral support, while BJP leaders assert their commitment to the Accord's implementation.

 

Understanding the Assam Accord and Clause 6

The Assam Accord, signed in 1985, marked a critical turning point in Assam's socio-political history. It came in response to a violent anti-foreigner movement that demanded the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants. The Accord was aimed at addressing the concerns of the indigenous population regarding demographic changes and cultural erosion.

Key aspects of the Assam Accord:

Identification of foreigners: The Accord mandates that all foreigners who entered Assam after March 25, 1971, be identified and deported.

Protection of indigenous rights: It seeks to safeguard the political, linguistic, and cultural rights of Assam’s indigenous communities.

What is Clause 6?

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord specifically addresses the need for constitutional safeguards for the indigenous population of Assam. Its core objectives include:

Reservation of seats: It proposes reservations for the indigenous communities in the Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies, ensuring their representation in governance.

Employment quotas: The clause advocates for job reservations in government services, aiming to provide fair employment opportunities to indigenous people.

Cultural preservation: It emphasizes the promotion and preservation of the cultural heritage and identity of Assam’s diverse indigenous groups.

This clause has been a focal point of discussion among political leaders, especially in the context of the state’s upcoming elections.

The ruling BJP, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been vocal about its commitment to implementing the Assam Accord, particularly Clause 6. Sarma has reassured the public that his government is working diligently to execute the recommendations of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sarma Committee, which was formed to facilitate the Accord's implementation. The committee submitted its recommendations three years ago, and Sarma has vowed to expedite the process.

During a  press conference, BJP said, “The implementation of Clause 6 is not just a political promise; it is a commitment to the people of Assam. We recognize the importance of protecting the rights of our indigenous communities, and we are taking concrete steps to ensure that their interests are safeguarded.”

However, the BJP's approach has been scrutinized by critics, who argue that the pace of implementation has been slow. The Chief Minister’s sudden emphasis on the Accord’s provisions has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether it is genuinely driven by a commitment to the indigenous population or merely an election strategy.

Congress leader Ripun Bora has been outspoken in his criticism of the BJP’s approach to the Assam Accord. While he has welcomed the government’s acknowledgment of the Accord’s importance, he firmly believes that Sarma’s recent actions are politically motivated. Bora alleges that the Chief Minister’s newfound urgency is a result of fears about losing power in the upcoming elections.

Bora said, “The Congress party was a signatory to the Assam Accord, initiated by late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and we remain committed to its implementation in both letter and spirit. However, the Chief Minister’s actions appear more like a desperate attempt to win over voters rather than a sincere effort to address the needs of the indigenous people.”

Bora raised concerns about the lack of progress in forwarding the committee’s report to the Centre for further action. He noted, “While the state government claims to be moving forward, the reality is that the report has not yet reached the Central government, which is essential for any concrete implementation.”

The Congress party has further accused the BJP of using the Assam Accord issue as a diversion from alleged corruption involving Sarma’s family. During a joint press conference, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia and state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah claimed that the government’s focus on the Accord serves as a smokescreen to divert public attention from serious allegations of wrongdoing.

Borah said, “The Chief Minister is attempting to mislead the people. While we are discussing the implementation of the Accord, critical issues related to governance and corruption remain unaddressed. Why hasn’t the state government presented a clear plan for implementing the 57 recommendations of the committee? Why is there no word from the Ministry of Home Affairs?”

The implementation of the Assam Accord and Clause 6 is not just a political issue; it is a matter of identity and rights for the people of Assam. As both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress gear up for the 2026 assembly elections, the public's perception of their commitment to the Accord will significantly influence voter sentiment.