Assam BJP MLA Bijoy Malakar has been accused of threatening voters to support BJP or else suffer the consequences of bulldozer action. A video of the Ratabari MLA making these threats at a public rally in support of BJP MP candidate Kripanath Mallah went viral on social media.
In the video, Malakar is seen addressing a large crowd in Assamese, stating, “If you don’t vote for the BJP, then you will face the consequences. You know what happens to those who don’t vote for us. The bulldozer will come for them.”
Opposition parties have criticized the BJP for using coercion to secure votes while also demanding action against the MLA. The Congress party, in particular, has called for strict measures against him.
This is not the first time that a BJP leader has used bulldozer action as a threat. Similar threats have been made by BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in the past.
The BJP has adopted the bulldozer as a symbol of its governance model, using it to demolish “illegally” constructed buildings and to target criminals, mafias, and individuals accused of inciting riots. While these actions are justified in the name of maintaining law and order, critics argue that they are part of a larger campaign to render Muslim families homeless.
The use of bulldozer action by the BJP as a tool of governance raises concerns about the party’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Critics believe that the BJP is resorting to intimidation tactics to secure votes and to target minority groups, particularly Muslims.
Furthermore, the excessive use of bulldozer action has been criticized for violating people’s right to property and life.
