The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) convened a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Guwahati on February 17, during his visit to the city. The delegation, which included MP Rakibul Hussain and former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora, presented several complaints in anticipation of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. According to the APCC, the meeting focused on issues surrounding the alleged harassment of citizens linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Allegations of Electoral Roll Manipulation

In a press conference held at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, APCC leaders claimed that the electoral process was being manipulated under the authority of the Assam Government. They alleged that citizens’ names were being unjustly removed from the voter list by marking living individuals as deceased. Ripun Bora emphasized that the Election Commission’s machinery was being misused to impact the electoral rights of citizens.

Concerns Over Current Political Climate

Bora noted that discussions had taken place between the Election Commission team and various political parties regarding the upcoming elections. He expressed concerns that the current law-and-order situation under the BJP-led government was detrimental to maintaining impartiality in the electoral process. He pointed to the Samaguri by-election as an example, where he claimed an atmosphere of fear was prevalent.

Incidents of Violence and Intimidation

Ripun Bora detailed incidents of violence, mentioning that MP Rakibul Hussain faced repeated attacks throughout the campaign period, with his residence being targeted. Allegations were also made regarding the vandalism of vehicles belonging to seven MLAs, including prominent members Shivamoni Bora and Nurul Huda. He criticized the administration’s inaction in response to these incidents, noting that no effective measures were taken despite multiple complaints being filed.

Obstructed Electoral Participation

Bora raised additional concerns about the conduct during panchayat elections, citing an incident where Congress candidates were allegedly prevented from filing nominations in Naduar, Sonitpur district. He claimed that the district Congress president faced assault while attempting to interact with local officials. Additionally, he highlighted disruptions faced by Gaurav Gogoi during his statewide campaign, where BJP workers reportedly obstructed events and police allegedly failed to intervene.

Demands for Electoral Fairness

The APCC delegation underscored the urgent need for the Election Commission to ensure transparency and fairness. Bora noted that the Chief Election Commissioner assured them of improved conditions once the election process officially begins, with the administration coming under the Election Commission’s direct oversight. He called for immediate action to address the alleged misuse of authority and interference in the electoral system.

Concerns Regarding Public Meeting Regulations

Bora also raised issues regarding the requirement for political parties to pay fees for permits to hold public meetings, questioning its democratic implications. He described the arduous process of obtaining permissions as a source of harassment for opposition parties, contrasting this with the less stringent requirements faced by the ruling party. He asserted that such practices must be rectified to promote a level playing field during elections.

Questions on Special Intensive Revision

At the conclusion of the press conference, Rakibul Hussain expressed skepticism regarding the introduction of SIR in light of recent comments by the Chief Minister and previous assurances from the Election Commission about the process’s cessation. He questioned the motivations behind the initiation of the SIR, drawing attention to a lack of clarity regarding its implementation following official statements made earlier.

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