Guwahati, May 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday cautioned newly elected legislators against arrogance in politics, asserting that public support is never permanent and that voters have the power to both elect and defeat leaders. Speaking during a discussion in the Assembly, Sarma said election victories should not lead to pride or overconfidence, as people closely observe the behaviour and attitude of public representatives.
“If arrogance, pride and ego begin to dominate politics, the people can humble leaders even within two years in a small Assembly election,” the Chief Minister said. Referring to recent electoral trends, Sarma noted that leaders and parties often assume that once they secure victory, they will continue to remain politically invincible.
“But there is no guarantee that because we have won today, we will win tomorrow as well,” he said. Addressing younger MLAs in particular, Sarma urged them to remain grounded and connected to ordinary people instead of becoming consumed by power and self-importance. “I want to tell the young legislators that we have not come here to become MLAs for just one term. We can return to this House repeatedly only if we stay humble and continue to work among the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister claimed that voters are capable of easily identifying arrogant leaders. “Just as people can distinguish between water and milk, they can also identify arrogant legislators and those who peacefully stand beside common citizens,” Sarma remarked. He also referred to the changing political landscape in Assam and said electoral outcomes continue to evolve with social transformation and growing public awareness.
According to him, communities across the state, including religious minorities, are becoming increasingly politically conscious and capable of rejecting divisive or ego-driven politics. The Chief Minister further stated that repeated electoral success should not make politicians complacent, stressing that public trust has to be earned continuously through development work and service. His remarks came amid heated political exchanges in the Assembly between the ruling BJP-led alliance and opposition parties over governance, elections and political conduct in the state.
IANS
