Assam Cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass inaugurated the main entrance of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council Secretariat at North Salmara in Bongaigaon district on Sunday. The event marked an important occasion for the Kamatapur Autonomous Council, symbolizing progress in administrative infrastructure and governance in the region. The newly inaugurated Secretariat is expected to enhance the administrative efficiency of the council, providing a central hub for governance and facilitating better coordination of activities within the autonomous region.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Dass addressed political concerns regarding the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). In recent times, there had been speculation and rumors about possible discord or a rift between the two political parties. Dass firmly dismissed such rumors, clarifying that the BJP-AGP alliance remains strong, intact, and fully functional. He elaborated on how the coalition operates smoothly, particularly at the grassroots level, such as in Panchayat elections. Dass noted that in Panchayat formation, the party winning the majority of seats assumes charge, reflecting a democratic and transparent process. For instance, during elections for District Council Chairperson or President, the BJP had supported the AGP’s candidate, and reciprocally, the AGP extended support to BJP candidates in other instances. This mutual cooperation exemplifies the strength and unity within the alliance and dispels notions of conflict.
Minister Dass also spoke on a significant administrative reform — the upcoming electoral roll revision process, which is set to be undertaken nationwide, including in Assam. He welcomed this initiative, describing it as a necessary and positive step towards electoral integrity. The revision process aims to ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date, reinforcing the principle of “one country, one citizen, one vote.” Dass praised the Election Commission’s decision to carry out this revision, emphasizing the need for transparency in the process. He stressed the importance of removing all illegal names from the voters’ lists to protect the sanctity of elections and ensure that only eligible voters participate in the democratic process.
This electoral reform, according to Dass, is crucial for upholding democratic values and strengthening the electoral system. It serves as a mechanism to prevent fraudulent voting and maintain the demographic balance, particularly in sensitive regions where illegal migration and voter manipulation have been ongoing concerns. The process, if conducted transparently and fairly, will contribute to a more robust and credible election framework, enhancing public trust in democratic institutions.
The minister’s remarks come at a pivotal time when political cooperation and electoral reforms are vital for the stability and progress of the state. By underscoring the unity between BJP and AGP, Dass highlighted the importance of collaborative politics in governance and policymaking. His emphasis on electoral roll revision signals a commitment to democratic reforms that prioritize fairness and accountability. Together, these messages stress the need for strong political alliances at the grassroots level and systemic improvements to the electoral process, which are essential for fostering democratic integrity and ensuring inclusive governance.
In summary, the inauguration of the Kamatapur Autonomous Council Secretariat’s main gate by Assam Cabinet Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass was more than just a ceremonial event; it was a platform to reaffirm political unity within the BJP-AGP alliance and to endorse critical electoral reforms. The minister’s insights reinforce the importance of transparent, inclusive governance and proactive measures to uphold democratic principles in Assam and beyond.