Finding a scapegoat

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made quite a controversial statement when he attributed the recent defeats of BJP allies in Nagaland and Meghalaya to leaders of a particular religion. In Nagaland, the ruling NDPP candidate, supported by the BJP and other PDA coalition parties, lost to the Congress candidate by around 26,000 votes. In Meghalaya, the ruling NPP lost the Tura constituency, a seat held by the Sangma family since 1977, when Agatha Sangma was defeated by Congress candidate Saleng A. Sangma. In Shillong, both Congress and NPP candidates were defeated by the newly formed Voice of the People’s Party. Sarma claims these losses were influenced by religious leaders’ opposition to the BJP, suggesting this played a significant role in the electoral outcomes. What Sarma implied is that leaders and members of the Christian faith had gone the against the BJP and its allies contributing to their defeats.If Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s allegation holds, it should also apply to Manipur, where the Congress won both the Inner and Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seats. In Inner Manipur, JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam defeated the sitting BJP MP and Minister of State, Dr. Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh. In Outer Manipur, Alfred Konggam Arthur of Congress took the seat from the NPF, defeating Kachui Timothy Zimik. This seat was previously won by Lorho S. Pfozhe of the NPF in 2019. It’s important to note that in March this year, Himanta confidently predicted that the BJP and its NEDA partners would sweep the Lok Sabha polls in the northeast, winning 22 out of 25 seats. The result show that the tally of the BJP and its alliance partners dropped to 16 as against 18 won in 2019. The Congress tally rose from three in 2019 to seven in 2024. Himanta Biswa Sarma, known as ‘Mama’ in Assam, has placed his political reputation on being the key figure for the BJP in the northeast. This shortfall undermines his ambitious forecast and his role as the convenor of NEDA. While making his statement, Himanta ought to ponder over whether he as the leader of his state and also the NEDA had not made hateful speeches over the years for political gain. As the leader of NEDA, Sarma has also faced criticism for his handling of the situation in Manipur. Since May last year, the state has experienced gory killings and violence, with Sarma providing full support to Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The Lok Sabha poll results in the northeast and across India indicate that people have rejected the politics of hate and communal division. While making his statement, Himanta ought to ponder over whether he as the leader of his state and also the NEDA had not made hateful speeches over the years. The northeast, known for its peaceful coexistence despite differences, has shown that divisive rhetoric does not resonate with its people. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement against a particular religion highlights his mindset, which contrasts with the region’s spirit of unity and harmony. These results serve as a reminder that voters prioritize peace and inclusivity over divisive politics.