GUWAHATI: An FIR has been filed against Assam BJP MLA from Khumtai Mrinal Saikia in Barpeta. The FIR, lodged by members of the Veer Lachit Sena at Barpeta's Sarbhog Police Station, accuses Saikia of making derogatory remarks against the people of Lower Assam.
The organisation has condemned Saikia's alleged comments, which surfaced in a video circulating on social media. In the video, the sitting MLA purportedly portrays the people of Upper Assam as superior, stating, "We have oil here, tea estates, coal... we are only running Lower Assam."
Click here to join our WhatsApp channel
Sikia's remarks on BJP's electoral performance have stirred controversy. He allegedly stated in a video while talking to media that, "So, if you come and tell a community that lives with so much pride that we have given ₹1250 in your accounts, vote for us... they will never do so." These comments are perceived as derogatory towards the population of Lower Assam.
Responding to the backlash, Saikia defended his statements, questioning the moral implications of distinguishing between Lower and Upper Assam. He said that his statement was not derogatory, and he was free to give open speeches like other notable big leaders during elections. Notably, he made a notable change to his social media account, adding 'From Upper Assam' to his profile, sparking further speculation about his political allegiances.
The controversy has drawn a strong reaction from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who suggested that Saikia's days in the BJP may be numbered. This comes amidst tensions within the party as earlier Saikia had publicly congratulated opposition Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on his victory in the Jorhat seat, contrary to BJP's electoral aspirations.
On June 4, he took to X and posted, “Special congratulations to @GauravGogoiAsm for your amazing win. This result is very significant in Jorhat in many ways.The outcome proved that- Money,Big Publicity, Over Doses of Leaders and Arrogant Speeches does not always help to win elections.”
Following this tweet by Saikia , Assam CM Himanta Biswa Saram has said that he might have to leave the BJP soon.