Guwahati, February 18: Senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday launched a sharp political attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following the resignation of former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Borah from the Congress and his subsequent decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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| Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi addresses a public gathering in Assam, launching a sharp attack on the BJP leadership. (Image: facebook.com/gauravgogoiasm) |
Addressing the media, Gogoi alleged that there had long been speculation about a close political understanding between Sarma and Borah, which the Congress had initially dismissed. However, he claimed that Borah’s decision to join the BJP immediately after resigning from the Congress had strengthened those suspicions.
Gogoi also questioned how details of confidential Congress meetings allegedly found their way into the public domain. Referring to reports published by a journalist he described as being close to the Chief Minister, Gogoi alleged that the recent political developments had raised serious questions about the confidentiality of internal party discussions.
Criticising Borah's move, Gogoi described it as a “surrender” to the Chief Minister rather than a political decision based on ideology. He further alleged that the BJP was attempting to divert public attention from issues being raised by the Congress regarding what he described as alleged large-scale land holdings linked to the Chief Minister’s family. Gogoi claimed that the Congress would continue to pursue these allegations and would not be distracted by political defections.
“The Congress will continue its fight and remove Himanta Biswa Sarma from the seat of power,” Gogoi said, reaffirming the party’s resolve to challenge the BJP in the state.
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The Congress leader also referred to Sarma’s earlier criticism of Bhupen Borah over allegations of inappropriate public conduct, noting that an inquiry by the Assam State Women’s Commission was reportedly underway. Gogoi questioned the BJP’s decision to induct Borah despite its earlier criticism, alleging inconsistency in the party’s stand.
The remarks came amid heightened political activity in Assam ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with both the BJP and the Congress stepping up their campaigns. Bhupen Borah’s switch to the BJP is being viewed as a significant political development that could influence the state's evolving political landscape, while the Congress has maintained that it will continue to focus on its campaign against the ruling government.
