Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made explosive allegations in the state Assembly on Monday, claiming that a rhino poaching syndicate financed the Congress party to win elections between 2011 and 2015.
Replying to opposition questions on his government’s crackdown on illegal syndicates, CM Sarma presented data showing a sharp rise in rhino poaching during Congress rule, suggesting a direct link between wildlife crime and political funding.
“Poaching syndicates funded Congress,” claims CM Sarma
CM Sarma, a former Congress leader himself, stated: “Congress was in power both in Assam and at the Centre. I was part of the party then, but they only used me in the education department to curb corruption in teacher recruitment. They never assigned me to the forest department because a major syndicate was operating there.”
He pointed to alarming poaching statistics during Congress regime:
– 2012: 20 rhinos killed
– 2013: 24 rhinos killed
– 2014: 25 rhinos killed
“If we look at the data, rhino poaching peaked before elections. This indicates that poaching syndicates financed Congress to win,” CM Sarma alleged.
BJP govt’s anti-poaching & anti-smuggling crackdown
In contrast, CM Sarma highlighted his government’s strict measures to protect Assam’s wildlife and curb cattle smuggling:
Rhino protection achievements by BJP govt
– 2021: 3 rhinos poached
– 2022: 2 rhinos poached
-2023: Zero poaching
-2024: 3 rhinos poached
“Had we allowed poaching, we could have made ₹250 crore from 25 rhino horns. But we chose to protect Assam’s pride,” he said.
Cattle smuggling crackdown
– 4,300 smugglers arrested under BJP rule
– Only 77 arrests between 2010-2016 (Congress era)
-Strict ban on cow smuggling from Bengal
“Today, except for milking cows, not a single cow can enter Assam from Bengal. Police have chased smugglers, and some have even died in encounters. Should I compromise on this?” CM Sarma challenged the opposition.
Why This Matters
– Wildlife Crime & Political Funding: If proven, the alleged syndicate could expose deep-rooted corruption linking poaching and elections.
-Assam’s Global Conservation Image: Reduced poaching has boosted Assam’s reputation in wildlife protection which resulted in increase tourists flow to Kaziranga and other national parks and wildlife century in Assam.
The Assam Assembly witnessed high-voltage drama as CM Sarma dropped a political bombshell, accusing Congress of benefiting from rhino poaching. With data-backed claims, the BJP aims to reinforce its tough stance on crime and corruption.
