The Rashtriya Ulama Council has expressed serious concern over the current political situation in Assam, alleging irregularities in the ongoing Special Revision of Electoral Rolls and accusing the ruling party of exploiting the process to serve its electoral interests, undermining democratic principles and minority rights.
Addressing the media, the Council claimed that the special revision exercise lacks transparency and is not being conducted in accordance with legal norms. It pointed to several anomalies in the recently released draft electoral roll, including the appearance of unfamiliar names in family voter lists—individuals who reportedly have no familial or residential link to the households concerned. According to the Council, such discrepancies cast doubt on the credibility of the process and suggest deliberate manipulation aimed at protecting the ruling party’s vote base.
The Council also referred to allegations made by independent MLA Akhil Gogoi on January 5 against Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia, stating that if these claims are substantiated, they could have significant repercussions for the state’s political environment, especially for minority communities. It accused the ruling government of attempting to deprive genuine Indian citizens in Assam of their rights and security in order to retain power, a move it strongly condemned.
Taking exception to remarks made by the Assam Chief Minister on various occasions, the Council alleged that minority communities are frequently portrayed as outsiders or illegal immigrants and viewed with suspicion. Emphasising constitutional responsibility, it stated that the Chief Minister represents all citizens of Assam and urged him to uphold equality by treating every lawful resident fairly, regardless of caste, religion, language, or ethnicity.
On the issue of eviction drives from government land, the Council clarified that it supports the removal of illegal encroachments and the recovery of public land. However, it stressed that families who have lived on such land for four to five decades are long-term residents of Assam and bona fide Indian citizens. The Council appealed to the state government to ensure proper rehabilitation and resettlement before carrying out evictions, particularly for landless and economically disadvantaged families.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections, the Rashtriya Ulama Council announced its intention to contest in 35 to 40 constituencies. It said the distribution of application forms has already begun, with several aspirants having collected nomination papers.
Reaffirming its ideological stance, the Council said it would campaign under the slogan, “Rule of unity will prevail, Muslims and Hindus will live together,” pledging to promote communal harmony, unity, and brotherhood for the inclusive development of Assam beyond divisions of caste, religion, language, or ethnicity.
