Rise of BJP divides intellectuals

Guwahati: The emergence of BJP in Assam has left intellectuals a divided house.
Around 40 academicians and noted personalities on Saturday urged voters to not vote for BJP to maintain communal harmony in the state.
"BJP is dangerous for peace. After the Lok Sabha election, RSS and BJP have taken all measures to demolish the democratic institutions and values of the country," said noted intellectual Hiren Gohain.He added that if BJP comes to power in Assam, there would be lawlessness here.
The group raised national issues like the police crackdown in JNU and the Dadri lynching to buttress their argument.
In a letter, a part of the state's intelligentsia said the growing influence of 'mollas' and 'sadhus' has turned politics into a machine for spreading communal tension.
"Before coming to power, BJP leaders said they would not allow construction of mega dams in the northeast. After winning the 2014 polls, they backtracked," Gohain added.
Former principal of Cotton College Udayaditya Bharali said the JNU incident reflects the BJP-led government's intention to stifle freedom of thought. Comparing 'growing intolerance' with fascism, Bharali said, "Fascism is the politics of patriotism. It lacks the essence of humanism."
Dramatist Sitanath Lahkar said if BJP comes to power in Assam, the people of the state would invite the risk of communalism and corruption.
There were some voices of dissent, too.
"People have nothing to worry about. Hindus and Muslims have lived together in Assam for centuries. They are campaigning together for BJP's victory as it's the right alternative to Congress," said noted writer and intellectual Dayananda Borgohain.