Assam CM Faces Resignation Demands After Bomb Scare and Opposition Criticism

After the ULFA (I) claimed to have planted 24 bombs across Assam, opposition leaders are demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma due to perceived security lapses. Sarma urges ULFA (I) chief Paresh Barua to negotiate. Opposition criticizes the government for failing to ensure safety and security.

With the discovery of 'bomb-like substances' at eight locations following the ULFA (I)'s claim of planting 24 bombs across Assam, the opposition on Thursday demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing a government failure.

Sarma, who also handles the Home portfolio, has asked ULFA (I) chief Paresh Barua to come to the negotiation table to address their grievances.

'Assam's descent into chaos is alarming! Despite substantial support, the BJP-led government has underperformed. CM @HimantaBiswa's fixation on 'jihad' rhetoric has diverted attention from critical issues, jeopardizing security and development,' asserted Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah on X.

The bomb placements highlight stark intelligence and security lapses, Borah added.

'Where was the CM when duty called? With hundreds of lives and decades of economic progress at risk, it's time for accountability and action, not hollow rhetoric. Thankfully, ULFA's mission was not executed. Awesome Assam? More like Awful Assam under incompetent leadership!' Borah exclaimed.

Raijor Dal chief and MLA Akhil Gogoi vehemently condemned ULFA (I)'s actions, accusing the group of sowing terror in Assam.

'It's perplexing that CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his police were unaware of these bombs. Our only demand is CM-cum-Home Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma must resign immediately for failing to ensure state security,' he added.

Gogoi remarked that the bombs not exploding underlined ULFA (I)'s mercy and exposed the state's vulnerability to any group's potential for planting bombs anywhere.

'The state government has utterly failed, with no visible policing or law and order,' Gogoi stated.

Sarma remained unresponsive to the bomb discoveries and the exposed security gaps when questioned by reporters during an official event.

'The Tatas have brought the semiconductor industry to Assam, and further investments are anticipated. For the first time in years, the state is on a path of progress. I appeal to ULFA (I) chief Paresh Barua not to destroy this investment-friendly climate,' the CM said.

With nearly 14 lakh unemployed youths, Sarma highlighted the necessity of attracting industries to prevent youth from seeking security guard jobs elsewhere.

'I hope no provocative acts will deter investors in Assam,' he added.

The chief minister reiterated that dialogue is the path to resolution.

'I've previously and again humbly request Paresh Barua to not impede Assam's development journey,' he said.

Police discovered 'bomb-like substances' in at least eight locations, including Guwahati, after ULFA (I) claimed it had planted bombs in 24 locations to cause serial blasts on Independence Day.