Congress responsible for BJP rise in Assam: AIUDF chief Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal

Md Badruddin Ajmal during his campaign for the AIDUF.

Former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi famously asked, ‘Who is Ajmal?’, when the AIUDF started its poll journey in 2006. Who or what is Badruddin Ajmal today?

Tarun Gogoi probably said that while relishing the Alphonso mangoes I used to gift him every year in crates. I used to be given a red-carpet welcome because his Congress government needed the votes of Bengali Muslims. He saw me as a threat as soon as I entered politics and said he would finish me off in six months, like former Congress Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia ended the UMF (formed in 1985 when the anti-foreigners Assam Agitation ended). I survived, and AIUDF became the second-largest party in 2011. I am still the same Badruddin Ajmal, but rival parties use my name and face to strike fear among the voters.

Has the AIUDF tacitly helped the BJP to end 15 years of Congress reign in Assam, as it has been alleged?

In the 2011 election, we won 18 seats, 10 more than our tally in 2006, while the Congress won 78 seats, 25 more than in the previous election. This proved that the Congress did not lose ground because of us, although we dented their minority support base. The Congress lost power because it created a foothold for the BJP. Had Tarun Gogoi not wanted to establish his son [Gaurav Gogoi] as the Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who claimed the support of 56 MLAs, would not have revolted and switched to the BJP. Tarun Gogoi and Rahul Gandhi are responsible for handing Assam to the BJP on a platter. Otherwise, the BJP’s tally would not have jumped from five in 2011 to 60 in 2016. Congress could have extended its run if it had given a secular message by befriending us. We became allies for the 2021 polls, but the lack of respect made us part ways.

The BJP uses your name to project a future where the so-called Miyas will rule. How do you feel? 

Himanta Biswa Sarma is a khiladi (player). He amplified the fear that the Congress created by projecting me as the enemy of the people of Assam. Himanta predicts doomsday by telling people that the Ajmal tsunami will sweep them away. The BJP, anyway, plays the Hindu card in a highly polarised atmosphere. We want Himanta Biswa Sarma thrown out of power, but we do not want the Congress to be the alternative. I am with Rahul Gandhi at the national level, not with the Congress in Assam.

Is AIUDF still relevant after failing to retain its three Lok Sabha seats in 2024 and a few MLAs later?

We are confident of maintaining our position at least. [The AIUDF won 16 seats in 2021.] I cannot say that of the Congress or its allies. The Congress is the B-team of the BJP, and the Chief Minister said that he planted 32 Congress candidates. Himanta is controlling the Congress and its ally, the Raijor Dal, whose president helped the BJP defeat the Congress in 14 constituencies in 2021. The outcome of this election can thus be predicted.