The Prabrajan Virodhi Manch (PVM) has strongly criticized the alleged understanding between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) during the recent Rajya Sabha election in Assam, stating that such a move undermines the interests of the state’s indigenous people.
PVM convenor Upamanyu Hazarika said the reported political arrangement contradicts the BJP’s long-standing stand against illegal immigration and raises serious concerns about the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous communities in Assam.
Hazarika alleged that the BJP had earlier gained public support by advocating strong measures against illegal immigration, but the reported cooperation with the AIUDF for electoral advantage sends a contradictory message to the people of the state.
The PVM leader also highlighted unresolved issues related to the protection of indigenous rights, particularly the delay in the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process. He pointed out that the NRC update remains incomplete and that the demands for reverification and proper implementation have not yet been addressed.
In addition, Hazarika raised concerns about the lack of progress in implementing the recommendations of the Clause 6 Committee, which was formed to suggest constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards for the indigenous Assamese population following the Assam Accord.
He further stated that indigenous groups in the state have long been demanding concrete action from both the state and central governments to safeguard their political, cultural and land rights.
The remarks come amid political debate in Assam over the Rajya Sabha elections, with opposition parties also questioning the BJP’s alleged move to seek support from AIUDF legislators to secure an additional seat in the Upper House.
PVM reiterated that any political arrangement that compromises the interests of indigenous communities would face strong opposition from civil society and regional organisations in Assam.
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