Broad political platform needed to oust BJP from power: CPI(M)'s M A Baby

Guwahati: CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby on Tuesday accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of "dividing" the state on religious lines and called for a broad political platform to oust the BJP from power.

Speaking at a meeting here on the first death anniversary of former party general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Baby said Assam is a "good model" in creating a united platform against the saffron party.

He also alleged that the central government has been "misusing" its agencies to "trample" the Constitutional framework in the country.

The Left leader claimed, "The CM is trying to divide Assam, and several anti-minority laws have been passed by his government." He also questioned the BJP for accepting Sarma into its fold after initially bringing corruption charges against him.

"The BJP had called Himanta Biswa Sarma a corrupt leader, but all problems were solved when he joined the saffron party," Baby claimed.

Speaking on the high tariffs on Indian products imposed by US President Donald Trump, Baby said this will impact Assam's tea sector as its exports to America might decline on account of increased prices there.