Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev has launched a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of exploiting welfare schemes for political mileage and misleading the public with inflated development claims. Speaking at a press conference in Silchar on November 3, 2025, Dev alleged that the BJP-led government’s popularity is waning, especially in the Barak Valley, and that the Chief Minister’s recent announcements are aimed at masking governance failures.
Dev’s remarks come in the wake of Sarma’s visit to Silchar, where he unveiled projects worth ₹1,000 crore. While the announcements were hailed by BJP supporters as a sign of progress, Dev questioned the timing and intent, pointing out that municipal elections in Silchar have been delayed for five years. “What he is not telling the rest of Assam is that for the last five years, in a prestigious municipal area and the second most important town in the state, elections have not been held,” she said.
🧠 Key Allegations Made by Sushmita Dev
| Allegation Category | Summary of Accusation | Implication for BJP |
|---|---|---|
| Welfare Scheme Exploitation | BJP using schemes like Orunodoi and PMAY for votes | Undermines scheme credibility |
| Civic Poll Delay | No elections in Silchar for 5 years | Raises questions on democratic governance |
| Misleading Development Claims | ₹1,000 crore projects announced without execution | Suggests political optics over real delivery |
| Targeting Linguistic Minorities | Eviction drives used to instill fear | Alienates Bengali-speaking communities |
| Popularity Decline | BJP losing ground in Barak Valley | Signals electoral vulnerability |
Dev’s statements reflect growing opposition sentiment in the run-up to the 2026 Assembly elections.
📊 Political Landscape in Barak Valley – BJP vs TMC
| District | BJP Stronghold Status | TMC Presence | Voter Sentiment (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cachar | Moderate | Growing | Mixed, leaning anti-incumbent |
| Hailakandi | Strong | Emerging | Discontent over evictions |
| Karimganj | Moderate | Active | Youth support rising |
TMC is positioning itself as a viable alternative in regions where BJP’s grip is weakening.
📈 Welfare Schemes Under Scrutiny
| Scheme Name | Intended Purpose | Alleged Political Use |
|---|---|---|
| Orunodoi | Monthly financial aid to women | Used to influence female voters |
| PMAY (Urban/Rural) | Housing for poor families | Selective beneficiary targeting |
| Ayushman Bharat | Health insurance for low-income groups | Claimed as BJP achievement |
| Jal Jeevan Mission | Tap water to households | Delayed implementation |
Dev argued that these schemes are being showcased as party achievements rather than public entitlements.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Stakeholders
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| BJP Spokesperson | “TMC is resorting to baseless allegations.” |
| Congress Leaders | “Dev’s statements reflect the ground reality.” |
| Local Civic Groups | “We need elections, not announcements.” |
| Youth Activists | “Welfare schemes should not be politicized.” |
The debate has sparked renewed calls for transparency and accountability in governance.
📌 Conclusion
Sushmita Dev’s sharp criticism of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP’s governance tactics has reignited political discourse in the state. Her allegations of welfare scheme exploitation, civic poll delays, and declining popularity point to a shifting electoral mood in Assam, especially in the Barak Valley. As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, the BJP faces mounting pressure to defend its record, while opposition parties like TMC aim to capitalize on growing public discontent.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, media reports, and electoral data. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute political endorsement or campaign advice.
