Guwahati: The Assam Congress on Friday criticised the BJP-led state government and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma over the citizenship controversy involving BJP MLA Bijoy Malakar of Ratabari (SC) constituency.
Congress leaders said serious questions have been raised about how Bijoy Malakar contested elections and became an MLA. They urged the state government and the Election Commission to clarify the matter in a transparent manner.
Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Congress MLA Diganta Barman said the issue has created public concern across the state. He said citizenship-related matters must be handled strictly as per the law and demanded clear answers from the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Gauhati High Court has issued notices to the Assam Government, the Election Commission of India, the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, and BJP MLA Bijoy Malakar. The court has asked all respondents to file their replies within four weeks.
The High Court passed the order while hearing a writ petition that challenges Bijoy Malakar’s election to the 15th Assam Legislative Assembly in 2021. The petition seeks a Writ of Warranto, claiming that Malakar is not eligible to hold public office as he is allegedly not an Indian citizen.
According to the petition, the petitioners came to know in October 2025 that Malakar and his parents entered Assam after March 25, 1971. They examined voter lists from 1966, 1971, and later years and claimed that Malakar’s name first appeared in the supplementary voter list of 2005.
The petition further stated that Malakar’s father’s name did not appear in earlier voter lists, including those of 1966 and 1971.
The petitioners also said they approached the authorities seeking an inquiry into Malakar’s citizenship.
