Guwahati, Apr 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday dismissed allegations by Congress leaders that their panchayat poll candidates were being threatened to withdraw nominations. Hitting back at the opposition, Sarma said Congress is “always trying to defame Assam.”

The Chief Minister stated that there has been no evidence or formal complaint to support the claims made by Congress. “Congress is saying this, but I have not seen such reports in local newspapers or TV channels. If there is any specific complaint, the administration will take immediate action,” he said.

Sarma assured that both the district administration and police are maintaining neutrality in the poll process. He pointed out that no major withdrawals have occurred and that a record number of candidates—over 2,000—have filed nominations for the 300 Zilla Parishad seats.

He further added, “We want a peaceful election. The people contesting are aware and responsible. If any incident happens, let them report it. But as of now, no one has lodged a complaint.”

Earlier in the day, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah and Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi accused the BJP and state police of threatening their candidates. They claimed the police were being used to intimidate nominees and force withdrawals, calling the Election Commission a “puppet.”

The Chief Minister dismissed the accusations and reiterated that the upcoming panchayat elections will help assess public sentiment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.