In a significant political development ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, eight Muslim organisations, along with a joint platform representing around 16,000 Jonab (religious scholars), announced that they were severing ties with the Congress, describing the move as giving the party “triple talaq.”
The organisations also declared a political “triple talaq” to Congress MPs Rakibul Hussain and Wajed Ali Choudhury, accusing them of failing to address the concerns of the Muslim community.
Speaking at a press conference, representatives of the joint platform claimed that if Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sought their support, they could help transfer nearly two lakh Muslim votes to the BJP in the Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency.
“We have gained nothing by supporting the Congress. What we want is development,” the representatives said.
The organisations also criticised Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, saying he should first learn “what leadership means.” They suggested that Gogoi take lessons from former Bodo leader Hagrama Mohilary.
The speakers claimed that lakhs of Muslims had voted for Rakibul Hussain because they trusted his leadership. However, they alleged that after reaching Parliament, Hussain focused on “issues like the carrom board” instead of raising matters concerning the community.
The organisations warned that they would work to ensure Rakibul Hussain faces a “humiliating defeat” in the next election.
The remarks were made by representatives of the Amil Society and the Joint Forum of 16,000 Jonabs during the media interaction.
