In a fiery statement following the NIA court’s verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lashed out at the Congress, accusing it of deliberately targeting Hindu organisations. Addressing reporters, Sarma alleged that the case was politically manipulated with the sole intent to frame Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.

“We all know the real motive behind the case — it was designed to falsely implicate the RSS leadership. Yesterday, the court verdict exposed this conspiracy. It was never about justice, it was about political vendetta,” Sarma said. He went on to claim that the Congress, under the leadership of P. Chidambaram and others, used state machinery to malign the RSS and the Hindu community at large.

“The plan was to brand an entire religion as terrorists. People of this country should ask P. Chidambaram what his real agenda was when he tried to link Hindu society with terror,” Sarma added, stating that the verdict vindicates the RSS and exposes the political motives behind the original probe.

In a separate address, CM Sarma also spoke about the issue of forest land encroachment in Assam. He revealed that Deputy Commissioners across the state have been instructed to conduct detailed surveys to identify illegal occupation of forest land.

“The level of encroachment is massive. We’re committed to clearing forest areas of all illegal occupants, except those who are eligible under the Forest Rights Act. This will be a long-term mission and may take up to 10 years,” Sarma said. He assured that while the drive will be strict, due legal processes will be followed.