Assam BJP targets Nilotpal Bora over online threats

Guwahati: The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party launched a scathing attack on Nilotpal Bora on July 27. Party spokesperson Ranjib Kumar Sarmah labeled the writer a virtual terrorist during a press conference at the state headquarters. He claimed Bora used abusive language against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and those receiving state aid.

Sarmah targeted Bora over a Facebook Live broadcast from the same day. The BJP alleged Bora discussed plans to destabilize the government. Sarmah warned these remarks could spark unrest while state resources remain tied up in flood relief efforts for Upper Assam. He called on the Assam Police to watch Bora closely.

The spokesperson defended the Chief Minister's Relief Fund during the briefing. He stated that 32,000 families facing critical illnesses have received help since 2021. Sarmah argued that mocking this relief insults thousands of people. He noted, "No genuine artist ever proclaims himself to be an artist. The title is conferred by the people through a lifetime of dedication, humility and discipline."

Sarmah also turned his attention to Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi. He accused the lawmaker of trashing parliamentary norms inside the Assam Legislative Assembly. The BJP spokesperson alleged that Gogoi prefers disruptive politics over debate. Neither Bora nor Gogoi offered an immediate response to the accusations.