STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid has said that he has foreseen an atmosphere of change in Assam, and that has made the BJP a bundle of nerves.
Addressing the media at Rajiv Bhawan here on Saturday, Khurshid said, "The BJP has also realized the change in the making in Assam. The moves of the seemingly worried BJP speak volume of it. The party will have to face the reality.
"It's not acceptable to threaten anyone of facing the consequences of NIA investigations just for opposing the ruling alliance. If anyone violates the law, there's a legal process to act against him or her. However, a person cannot take the action. The Congress always abides by the rules of law, not of individuals.
"The Congress has always been respecting the language, literature and culture of Assam. It is always ready to protect the interest of Assam. A glaring example of this is the Assam Accord signed by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
"In the latest incident at Ratabari LAC where an EVM was recovered from the vehicle of an MLA the ECI has taken action. However, how can we remain assured that no such incidents will recur during the polling of the remaining constituencies?"
All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) president Sushmita Dev, who was also present at the press briefing, said, "The incidents taking place after the second phase of the Assembly election in the State are strong indications of BJP's defeat in this poll. Had the government worked for development of the State in the past five years, the BJP wouldn't have to engage itself in a hide-and-seek game with EVMs? The ECI's explanation on the EVM controversy in Patharkandi in the Barak Valley will remain like a tale of 'Amar Chitra Katha'.
"Action has been taken against the four presiding officers in the EVM episode. Why no action has been taken against BJP MLA Krishnendu Paul whose car was used to carry the EVM? Is he above the law?
"I've seen an unorganized way of EVM transportation in Silchar too. A vehicle carrying EVMs turned turtle. The EVMs were transported without any security personnel accompanying them."
She said that the ECI should disqualify Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from contesting election as the charge against him is a serious one. This apart, she wants deferment of the poll in Tamulpur constituency after BPF candidate Rangja Khungur Basumatary withdrew from contesting. "An FIR should be lodged against BJP's Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul. He should be grilled immediately to elicit the truth on the EVM found in his car. All EVM-related incidents, including that of Diphu and Karimganj, have to be investigated," she said.