The political temperature in Assam surged again as BJP national general secretary Dilip Saikia took a swipe at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, asserting that if Gogoi could recite Namaz and Kalima, then he should also chant Kirtan to maintain religious balance.
This controversial comment follows escalating tensions between the BJP and Congress in Assam, as the two parties trade barbs ahead of the 2026 state elections. The exchange has reopened discussions around religious identity politics, the role of the RSS, and allegations involving international links.
BJP Responds to Gogoi’s Critique of RSS
Dilip Saikia’s remarks were a direct response to recent statements by Gaurav Gogoi, who accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of promoting religious divisions and deepening communal fault lines in India. Gogoi, the Lok Sabha MP from Kaliabor and Deputy Leader of the Congress in Parliament, has repeatedly criticized the RSS for what he describes as their “divisive agenda.”
Saikia, however, said that Congress should stop “appeasement politics.” “If Gaurav Gogoi is so inclusive, why does he only publicly perform rituals of one religion? Why not chant Kirtan, which is part of Assamese tradition?” he asked, speaking at a BJP workers’ meet in Tezpur.
The BJP leader also warned that every attack on the RSS would only make the organization “stronger and more united.” Saikia described the RSS as a “patriotic force” working for the betterment of society.
Allegations of ISI Links Resurface
In a more serious turn, Saikia also brought up old allegations regarding Gaurav Gogoi’s alleged links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Though no substantial evidence has emerged in the past to support such claims, BJP leaders have often used these accusations to politically target Gogoi.
“The people of Assam need to ask: why does he speak the language of the enemy? Why does he avoid criticizing radical forces operating from across the border?” Saikia said.
Gogoi has denied all such accusations in the past, calling them “baseless and defamatory.” The Congress party, too, has defended its leader, calling the BJP’s tactics “cheap diversionary politics” meant to distract voters from issues like unemployment, price rise, and border disputes.
Congress Defends Secularism
Reacting to the BJP’s latest attacks, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee said Gaurav Gogoi’s remarks were being misinterpreted deliberately. “He has always stood for communal harmony and cultural inclusivity. Chanting prayers of different religions is a symbol of unity, not division,” said APCC chief Bhupen Borah.
Congress also slammed the BJP for weaponizing religion. “Instead of focusing on development and flood management, they are obsessing over who chants what. This shows their priorities,” Borah added.
Religious Identity in Assam Politics
Religion and identity have long been volatile topics in Assam, where indigenous, tribal, and religious communities intersect. Political parties often use cultural expressions like Kirtans, Namaz, and other rituals to build symbolic capital.
The BJP has consistently pushed a Hindutva narrative, while Congress has traditionally banked on secularism and minority outreach. Gogoi, the son of former CM Tarun Gogoi, has tried to walk a fine line between cultural inclusiveness and political assertiveness.
A Broader National Pattern
The Assam episode reflects a broader national trend where religious identity continues to be at the core of political rhetoric. BJP leaders across the country have made similar accusations about selective secularism, particularly when opposition leaders participate in minority religious rituals.
With the 2026 Assam Assembly elections looming, both BJP and Congress are intensifying outreach efforts, especially in minority-dominated constituencies.
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