We never opposed delimitation but ECI has not clarified many issues: APCC

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Congress party mentioned that they are not against the delimitation process, but they have raised several questions regarding why the Election Commission suddenly released the draft. President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Bhupen Borah, mentioned that the Supreme Court of India has accepted a petition filed by several eminent citizens of the region regarding this process, and the final hearing of the same will be held on July 25. The Election Commission releasing this draft ahead of the judgement is not only unexpected but also a contempt of the Supreme Court.

The names of about 19 lakh people from the state were missing in the NRC draft and no decision has been taken regarding these names by the central government. Since several crores of rupees were spent for the preparation of this draft, the people of Assam have the right to know what steps will be taken, said Borah. He said, “Congress is the main opposition party both in the centre and in the state. We had put forward some key points regarding the delimitation process to the Election Commission and even submitted a memorandum on January 4. But no reply was given regarding the same. Is this because the Election Commission was pressurised by the BJP and the Assam CM? “

Borah also mentioned that, although the chief minister says that these steps will ensure the well-being of the indigenous people, this process has nothing to do with the people of Assam but to secure the positions of a few MLAs and MPs. Citing the example of the Ranganadi Constituency, which does not have a development block or circle office, Borah questioned how any work will be carried out there. He also mentioned that this process will leave many constituencies without representatives, meaning that these constituencies will lag behind in terms of development. He also added that if the CM really cares about the protection of the indigenous people of the region, he should implement the suggestions of the Justice BK Sharma Commission and take steps towards granting protected status to the six communities of the state.

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