A major political storm has erupted in Assam after a coalition of Opposition parties formally approached the police, accusing a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader of conspiring to manipulate the electoral roll. The case has ignited a fierce war of words between the ruling party and its rivals, with the BJP dismissing the allegations as a baseless smear campaign.
The Core Allegation: A Plan for Mass Voter Deletion
The controversy centres on an FIR (First Information Report) lodged at the Dispur police station in Guwahati. A joint delegation from several Opposition parties filed the complaint against Dilip Saikia, who is the BJP Member of Parliament from Mangaldoi and also serves as the party's state unit president.
The crux of their allegation is that during a video conference held on January 4, 2026, Saikia instructed party legislators and workers to facilitate the deletion of a massive number of voter names. The FIR specifically claims he asked them to target the removal of 5,000 to 10,000 voters from the electoral lists in at least 60 Assembly constituencies across the state. The Opposition has labelled this alleged plan as 'vote chori' or theft of votes.
Political Repercussions and BJP's Counterattack
The filing of the police case has escalated political tensions in Assam. The Opposition alliance has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation by the police, arguing that such actions, if proven, strike at the very heart of democratic integrity. They have called for swift legal action against Saikia.
In a sharp rebuttal, the BJP has categorically denied all charges. Party spokespersons have characterised the FIR as a politically motivated act of desperation by parties facing an existential crisis. The BJP asserts that the allegations are completely fabricated and part of a coordinated strategy to tarnish the image of the popular state leadership ahead of future electoral battles. They have labelled it a classic example of a smear campaign designed to mislead the public.
What Happens Next?
The ball is now in the court of the Dispur police, who must assess the FIR and decide on the next course of action, which could include a preliminary enquiry. The case has brought the issue of electoral roll integrity back into sharp focus. Political observers suggest this development could become a significant flashpoint, with both sides likely to use it to mobilise their support bases. The coming days will be crucial as the legal and political processes unfold, determining whether the allegations gain traction or fizzle out.
This incident underscores the high-stakes nature of politics in Assam, where every move is intensely scrutinised. The claim of organised voter deletion is a serious charge, and its handling will be closely watched by the electorate and civil society alike.
