Guwahati, April 13 -- A group of prominent citizens under the banner of Axom Nagarik Sanmilan has strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, terming his recent actions and public statements as "highly deplorable" and "undemocratic," even as the state concluded its Assembly elections.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the group said that although polling in Assam remained largely peaceful with only a few isolated incidents, developments before and after the elections have raised "grave concerns" about democratic functioning in the state.

Referring to allegations made by Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Sanmilan accused the Chief Minister of misusing state machinery instead of addressing the charges through legal m...