Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrat Saikia, on January 24, addressed speculation around internal party discipline and media interaction, responding to claims made by BJP leaders over the past few days.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Guwahati and Dispur, especially following recent developments around voter list controversies and the APCC leadership’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
Debabrat Saikia said both he and Congress MP Rokibul Hussain speak strictly in line with party ideology and discipline. Responding to BJP claims of internal restrictions, the Assam Congress leader said all leaders are bound by party guidelines, while accusing the BJP of politicising voter lists and targeting minority communities.
What Triggered the Political Debate
On January 23, BJP spokesperson Sanjib Sarmah claimed that Debabrat Saikia had been instructed not to speak to the media without prior written permission from Rokibul Hussain, Congress MP from Dhubri. The claim quickly gained traction in Guwahati’s political circles and on social media.
The speculation intensified after the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) leadership met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, with the Congress leadership initially remaining silent on the issue.
Saikia Breaks Silence
Speaking to the media in Guwahati on Friday, Debabrat Saikia dismissed the narrative of internal restrictions and clarified the party’s position.
“We speak in accordance with the party’s ideology and principles. Whether it is me or Rokibul Hussain, we are all bound by party guidelines,” Saikia said.
He emphasised that the Congress follows a collective leadership structure, and individual leaders do not act independently of party policy.
Allegations of Voter List Manipulation
During the interaction, Saikia also raised concerns over alleged voter list manipulation, an issue that has been gaining attention across Guwahati and lower Assam.
He accused the BJP of attempting to influence electoral rolls by targeting minority communities.
“BJP leaders are trying to delete names from voter lists by branding minority communities as foreigners,” Saikia alleged.
Reference to Assam’s Historical Context
Addressing claims around citizenship, Saikia pointed to Assam’s historical and social fabric, stating that communities linked to Azan Pir have been residing in the region since before Independence.
He said such allegations were not only politically motivated but also ignored Assam’s long-standing demographic realities.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
With Dispur preparing for the upcoming Assembly session and political activity intensifying ahead of elections, statements from senior leaders like Debabrat Saikia are closely watched in Guwahati.
The remarks reflect:
- Growing political tension around voter verification and electoral rolls
- Escalating war of words between the Congress and BJP
- Increased focus on minority representation and citizenship issues in Assam’s political discourse
What Happens Next
Political observers in Guwahati expect:
- Further responses from BJP leaders
- Possible clarifications from the APCC leadership
- Continued debate around voter list integrity as election-related activities accelerate
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Debabrat Saikia say about speaking to the media?
Saikia said that both he and Rokibul Hussain follow party ideology and guidelines, and denied claims of any special restriction imposed on him.
What allegation did Saikia make against the BJP?
He alleged that BJP leaders are attempting to delete names from voter lists by targeting minority communities and questioning their citizenship status.
