Assam Partition Claim: Controversy Erupts Over PM Modi's Claim: Congress Denies Attempt to Cede Assam to Pakistan During Partition

A significant political controversy has erupted following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent assertion that the Congress party intended to cede Assam to Pakistan during the partition of India. The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing an event for the inauguration of the new terminal at Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, where he launched a strong critique against the Congress.

Congress Rejects PM's Allegation

In a swift and strong rebuttal, Congress MP Manickam Tagore took to the social media platform 'X' on Sunday to dismiss PM Modi's claim as 'historically incorrect. ' Tagore emphasized that facts matter and that such 'lies' must cease. He categorically stated that there was no proposal to hand over Assam to Pakistan, as Assam was a Hindu-majority province and was never earmarked for Pakistan under the partition plan.

The Sylhet Referendum Explained

Providing historical context, Manickam Tagore clarified that the only question concerning Assam was regarding the Sylhet district, which was a Muslim-majority area at the time. He explained that in July 1947, under the British government, a referendum was held. In this referendum, Sylhet voted to join East Bengal, which subsequently became East Pakistan. Tagore underscored that this wasn't a decision made by the Congress but rather a vote that occurred before independence, under the British administration.

Gopinath Bordoloi's Crucial Role

Tagore further highlighted the instrumental role played by then Congress Chief Minister of Assam, Gopinath Bordoloi. He asserted that it was due to Bordoloi's dedicated efforts that the Karimganj subdivision was retained within India. This fact, according to Tagore, is well-documented in history and can't be overlooked. Bordoloi's foresight and determination were crucial in ensuring that a significant part of Assam remained an integral part of India.

Lack of Historical Evidence

The Congress MP also stressed that there is no historical evidence to support the claim that the Congress, as a party, conspired to give Assam to Pakistan. He attributed the partition to the haste of the British government and the persistent. Demands of the Muslim League, driven by fears of a civil war in the country. This complex and tragic historical event, he noted, was a result of these broader circumstances.

Disrespecting History for Political Gains

Manickam Tagore condemned the Prime Minister's statement, describing it as turning a 'difficult, sad history into a campaign slogan. ' He argued that such an act disrespects facts, freedom fighters, and Assam itself, while tagore concluded by stating that 'lies must stop' but questioned how 'Sanghis' (a term often used for RSS/BJP affiliates) would do so, implying that those who propagate such narratives thrive on falsehoods. This exchange underscores the sharp political rhetoric and the ongoing debate over the interpretation of historical events.