Amit Shah's speech shows clear disappointment and reversal of BJP’s stand in the last 5 years: Upamanyu Hazarika

Guwahati: Guwahati Lok Sabha Constituency Independent candidate Upamanyu Hazarika on Friday stated that the speech at Kaliabor by BJP National President Amit Shah shows a clear disappointment and reversal of the BJP’s stand in the last 5 years on three important issues.

In a press statement, Independent candidate for Guwahati constituency Hazarika said, "Five years ago, Narendra Modi had given a clear warning to all Bangladeshi infiltrators to leave the state and Amit Shah only repeated the same promise, whereas less than 100 have been deported in the last 5 years and through the Citizenship Amendment Bill, the BJP seeks to bring in additional foreigners."

He further mentioned that the manner in which the AGP has shamelessly compromised on the issue of indigenous identity is a fundamental breach of trust, the genesis of the AGP has been to protect indigenous identity and self-respect. "The manner in which AGP leaders are falling over to support the Citizenship Amendment Bill only in pursuit of their self-interest is a matter of shame not only for themselves but also for the indigenous people whose identity they vowed to protect," added Hazarika.

Thirdly, the promise of the BJP President to protect Assamese culture through the committee constituted under clause 6 of the Assam Accord is without any substance. "Most of the members including the Chairman have already declined to be a part of the committee, which is not even in existence. How can a non-existent committee give any recommendation?" Hazarika questioned.

Hazarika also pointed out that the important aspect is that the promise is to protect Assamese culture not a promise to protect the Assamese from becoming a minority. Is it a promise to protect our culture when we become a minority like the Tripuris in Tripura?

"The only manner of preserving indigenous culture is by preventing us from becoming a minority for which land, employment, trade licences and other resources have to vest in the indigenous and those who were citizens in 1951. It is a matter of great misfortune that the BJP, Congress and AGP who have indigenous leaders at the helm show no support for the actual measures which can protect the indigenous," Hazarika added further.