Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday responded sharply to Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi’s recent statement about not taking the upcoming panchayat elections seriously. In a press interaction, Sarma expressed his hope that Gogoi would approach the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections with the same casual attitude he had toward the panchayat polls. The Chief Minister’s remarks were a direct rebuttal to Gogoi’s comments, which had drawn considerable attention in the state’s political circles.
Gogoi, known for his outspoken views and leadership of Raijor Dal, made headlines earlier by downplaying the significance of the upcoming panchayat elections, which are crucial for local governance. He emphasized that he would not invest much time or energy into the polls, considering them less important than state or national elections. His statement stirred controversy, particularly among political analysts, who pointed out that such comments could undermine the democratic process and the importance of local elections in shaping the future of the state.
In his response, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma turned the tables on Gogoi, suggesting that if the Raijor Dal leader truly viewed the panchayat elections as inconsequential, then he should approach the 2026 Assembly elections with the same nonchalance. Sarma’s jibe was a clear attempt to remind Gogoi of the responsibility and seriousness expected of a politician representing the people. Sarma’s comments were not only a challenge to Gogoi’s stance on the panchayat elections but also a strategic reminder of the 2026 Assembly polls, in which Gogoi is expected to play a key role.
The panchayat elections, though lower in profile compared to state or national elections, hold significant importance in Assam’s political landscape. These elections determine local governance, public service delivery, and the allocation of resources at the grassroots level. Sarma’s remark highlighted the fact that every election in the democratic process, no matter the scale, is critical for the development of the state. For Sarma, this is not just a matter of political rivalry but an emphasis on the duty of elected officials to respect and participate in all levels of elections, not just those that serve their political interests.
Sarma’s call for seriousness in approaching elections came as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen Assam’s democratic fabric and maintain governance transparency. Under Sarma’s leadership, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam has focused heavily on improving the state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems, while also ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of the state. Sarma’s leadership has been marked by an aggressive stance against corruption and inefficiency, as well as a commitment to providing people with better governance.
Akhil Gogoi, on the other hand, has built his political career on a foundation of activism and rural empowerment. The Raijor Dal leader has been vocal in his criticism of the current state government, especially on issues concerning the protection of local culture, land rights, and resource distribution. His controversial remarks on the panchayat elections have sparked debates about the importance of local governance and whether his approach is truly in line with the needs of the people.
As the political temperature in Assam continues to rise with the upcoming elections, it remains to be seen how Gogoi and other opposition leaders respond to Sarma’s challenge. Political analysts have pointed out that while the 2026 Assembly elections will undoubtedly dominate the political discourse in the coming months, local governance issues should not be overlooked. The ability to govern at the grassroots level is often a strong indicator of how well a leader can manage at the state or national level.
The exchange between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Akhil Gogoi further reflects the growing tension between the ruling BJP and opposition parties in Assam. With just over a year to go before the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections, both parties are gearing up for a high-stakes political contest. For Sarma, maintaining control over the state’s governance and continuing his development agenda are critical priorities, while opposition leaders like Gogoi are eager to challenge the BJP’s dominance. Sarma’s response to Gogoi’s comments suggests that the upcoming elections, whether panchayat or state-level, will likely be an arena for these parties to showcase their political strategies and mobilize their supporters.
The BJP-led government has also been focusing on delivering on its promises of infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation. With these ongoing projects, Sarma is keen to prove the effectiveness of the ruling party’s approach and its commitment to the people of Assam. His government has been particularly active in rural development, a key area where the BJP hopes to gain an edge in the coming elections. Sarma’s remark about Gogoi, however, shows that he is not backing down from any political challenge, ensuring his position remains firm in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
For Akhil Gogoi, the remarks by Sarma were both a challenge and a reminder that his political future is intertwined with the people’s perception of his commitment to Assam’s growth. Gogoi, who gained attention for his grassroots activism and support for marginalized communities, has remained a vocal critic of the state government, especially on issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and land rights for indigenous communities. However, his casual attitude towards the panchayat elections has raised eyebrows, leading some to question whether his party is fully invested in local governance. His leadership, especially in rural and tribal areas, will be put to the test in the coming elections as he seeks to strike a balance between activism and governance.
As the political discourse intensifies, Sarma’s leadership and the BJP’s strategies for upcoming polls will dominate discussions in the state. His remarks highlight a growing narrative that the BJP is positioning itself as the party of development and governance. Meanwhile, opposition leaders like Gogoi will need to rethink their strategies if they hope to challenge the BJP’s dominance in Assam. The shifting dynamics of Assam politics will not only shape the outcome of the 2026 Assembly elections but also influence the state’s trajectory in the years to come.
In this highly competitive political landscape, every election—from the panchayat polls to the Vidhan Sabha—becomes a critical battleground. Sarma’s comment serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about big electoral victories but about responsible governance at every level. It will be interesting to see how this dialogue unfolds in the coming months as Assam prepares for what promises to be a charged and high-stakes election season. The way both the BJP and opposition parties engage with the electorate, addressing local concerns while presenting their broader visions, will ultimately determine the future political landscape of the state.