Of Comments, Tussle and Sentiments
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: November 24 2015 -

The recent comments made by Assam Governor PB Acharya have rattled not only the Chief Minister of the State but also activists in Assam.

PB Acharya had stated that “Hindustan is for Hindus. Hindus from any part of the world can come and settle here.”

The Governor made the comments when the media wanted to know the his views on the recent notification issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on regularizing stay of minority refugees from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Though PB Acharya has clarified that the comments were based on his personal view and that there was no intention to show any disrespect towards the feelings of the people of the State, the MHA’s notification had drawn enough flak from several quarters in Assam.

Reacting to the Governor’s comments, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday accused PB Acharya of behaving like a right-winged Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue and even urged the Government of India to appoint a new Governor for the State.

PB Acharya on Sunday further clarified that the media in Assam had only published half of his statement and what he actually meant was that persecuted Hindus in Bangladesh or in any part of the world had the right to come to India and live.

However, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was quick to react stating that the Governor has not only tarnished the dignity of the gubernatorial post but also breached the pledge he took to ensure unity and integrity of the country.

The simmering tussle between the Chief Minister and PB Acharya refuses to subside as Gogoi knows well that if he takes on the Governor, he would in fact be drawing the support of the mass in Assam and including the middle class Assamese intelligentsia.

A popular activist - Akhil Gogoi who has formidable support base has also demanded the immediate removal of PB Acharya as the Governor of the State accusing him of trying to foment communal tension in Assam.