The political battlefield in Assam intensified on Saturday as the state Congress unit came out strongly against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his sharp remarks targeting Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. The opposition party accused Sarma of “selective outrage, political hypocrisy, and deliberate misinformation,” asserting that patriotism cannot be measured by partisan yardsticks.
The controversy began after Sarma made a scathing comment during a public event, questioning Gogoi’s patriotism and commitment to the state and the nation. The statement triggered immediate backlash from the Congress, which described the remarks as “insulting, unwarranted, and aimed at distracting the public from real governance failures.”
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah addressed the media and condemned the Chief Minister’s “habitual deflection from issues that truly matter.” According to Borah, Sarma’s statements are “crafted more for applause than for action,” and the CM has no moral authority to determine who is or isn’t patriotic. “Gaurav Gogoi’s record of service to Assam and to India speaks for itself. The CM’s jibes only reveal his insecurity and desperation,” Borah said.
More About Gagoi Jibe
The Congress also pointed out that Gogoi had recently raised pertinent issues in Parliament regarding the state’s unemployment rate, price hikes, and alleged irregularities in state-run schemes. “Instead of answering questions on the ground, the Chief Minister chooses to engage in personal attacks. That’s not governance. That’s escapism,” said Congress spokesperson Ranjan Bora.
Sarma’s criticism reportedly stemmed from Gogoi’s questioning of the state’s handling of flood management, education infrastructure, and its recent expenditures on promotional events. The Congress party emphasized that dissent and accountability are key features of a healthy democracy. “Being in opposition doesn’t make you anti-national. Challenging policy doesn’t make you unpatriotic. This attempt to paint critics as enemies of the state is dangerous and undemocratic,” added Bora.
Meanwhile, Gaurav Gogoi himself responded on social media, writing, “When we ask questions, it’s not for ourselves. It’s for the people of Assam. This is not about ego. It’s about responsibility.” His post garnered wide support from party members and citizens, with many lauding him for maintaining composure amid growing political hostility.
Political analysts believe the ongoing verbal exchange signals the intensifying heat ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. “Both the BJP and Congress are sharpening their narratives. Sarma is playing the nationalist card, while Congress is trying to hold ground on accountability and public issues,” said political commentator Arindam Saikia.
The state government has not issued a formal response to the Congress’ counterattack, but sources within the BJP indicated that Sarma stands by his remarks. A senior BJP leader claimed that the Congress has “lost public confidence” and is trying to “regain ground by playing victim.”
Despite the sparring, civil society voices are calling for more substance and less sensationalism. “People want answers on employment, inflation, education, and healthcare. Politicians owe it to the public to elevate the discourse, not reduce it to personal mudslinging,” said Anuradha Deka, a professor of political science in Guwahati.
Observers say this exchange could shape the political mood in Assam for the coming months. With both parties actively building narratives, public perception will likely hinge on who stays focused on policy issues and public welfare.
As the debate over patriotism and political accountability deepens, one message from the opposition is loud and clear: democracy thrives not by silencing dissent, but by encouraging dialogue. Assam’s political landscape, it seems, is heading into a season of fierce debate—and the electorate will be watching every move.
Stay informed. Question policies. Engage in dialogue. Assam’s future is shaped not just by its leaders, but by its people.