Assam’s TMC and AAP want the governor removed for allegedly supporting the BJP in Rajasthan

The state governor, Gulab Chand Kataria, is under criticism from the Assam chapters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for reportedly endorsing a BJP candidate running in the Rajasthan assembly elections.

The Governor’s Office of Assam and Kataria could not be reached for comment at this time.

The two parties, who each released a statement, have asked the President and the Indian Election Commission to step in and take action against the governor, who gave up all political positions to accept the constitutional position.

Gulab Chand Kataria, the governor of Assam, is occupied with BJP campaigning in Udaipur, Rajasthan. In a post on X, Assam TMC President Ripun Bora said, “This is a challenge to democracy; the Election Commission of India should take action against him.”

Additionally, he called it “extremely shameful” that Kataria is running for the BJP while serving as the guardian of the Constitution.

“He should be immediately sacked from his post,” Bora said.

He also claimed, citing a statement from the Assam TMC, that Kataria’s support of BJP candidate Tarachan Jain in Udaipur was illegal since he held a constitutional position.

“Deputy Speaker of the Assam Assembly Numal Momin was in Mizoram a few days ago, and now she’s in Kataria for the BJP campaign. This is a grave transgression of constitutional rights. The governor should not endorse any political party in his or her capacity as head of state, according to the Assam TMC’s statement.

It continued, citing these two instances as evidence that the BJP is abusing its position to lead an undemocratic and dictatorial administration.

“We demand immediate intervention of the President and the Election Commission of India for sacking Governor Gulab Chand Kataria,” said the statement.

According to AAP Assam coordinator Bhaben Choudhury, a governor ought to follow the Constitution by putting politics aside and upholding it regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

On the other hand, by running for office and supporting a political party, Kataria has engaged in actions that are against the constitution. It has denigrated the governor’s position. Indian politics have been tarnished by it,” he said.

Choudhury said the party would write to the ECI to request action against Kataria and demanded his immediate resignation.