Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Borah has launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, accusing him of abandoning his earlier stand on corruption. Borah’s comments came in the wake of Sonowal’s participation in the ongoing panchayat election campaign in Assam. The Congress leader’s remarks have stirred significant political debate, highlighting a contrast between Sonowal’s past criticisms of corruption and his current alliance with leaders accused of financial misconduct.
Borah, speaking to the media, recalled how Sonowal had written a book in the past, criticizing Congress leaders for their involvement in corrupt practices. The book, according to Borah, had named several figures from the opposition party, including Himanta Biswa Sarma, the current Chief Minister of Assam, in connection with the infamous Saradha and Louis Berger scams. At that time, Sonowal had promised that a BJP government would investigate and hold accountable those involved in these corruption scandals. However, Borah pointed out that despite these public promises, Sonowal had not only failed to take action but had also made Himanta Biswa Sarma the Chief Minister of Assam.
Borah accused Sonowal of betraying the people of Assam by sidestepping his previous commitment to fight corruption and instead aligning with individuals accused of serious financial crimes. “The first person to write a book claiming bad people were in Congress was Sarbananda Sonowal himself. He named Himanta Biswa Sarma in connection with the Saradha and Louis Berger scams, promising that a BJP government would probe and punish him. But what did he do? He made him Chief Minister and left Assam,” Borah said, expressing disbelief over Sonowal’s sudden change of heart.
The APCC president went on to criticize Sonowal for abandoning the state after securing a national position. Borah described this move as a clear case of Sonowal “lying to the people of Assam.” He further stated that Sonowal’s relocation to the national stage, while leaving the state’s leadership in the hands of Sarma, was an act of deception. “He comfortably settled ‘near the seashore,’ far from the issues faced by Assam’s common people,” Borah remarked, referring to Sonowal’s shift to a national role after his tenure as the Chief Minister of Assam.
Borah’s remarks have brought the focus back on the ongoing political shifts within Assam and the BJP-led government’s handling of corruption allegations. His statements have raised questions about the BJP’s stance on governance and accountability, particularly concerning Sarma’s controversial rise to the chief ministership despite ongoing allegations of corruption. This has further fueled the political rivalry between Congress and BJP in the state, as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections.
The controversy surrounding Sonowal’s actions and the BJP’s handling of corruption allegations is expected to play a significant role in the political narrative of Assam in the coming months. Congress, under the leadership of Bhupen Borah, has vowed to continue pressing for transparency and accountability, particularly in light of the claims made about Sarma’s involvement in past corruption scandals.
Borah’s statements also hint at the growing frustration within the Congress party regarding the lack of action against corruption in the ruling BJP. With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, Congress is keen to capitalize on what they see as the BJP’s failures in addressing corruption and governance issues in the state.
The political dynamics of Assam are becoming increasingly complex, with Sonowal’s departure from state politics and Sarma’s ascension to the top leadership position in Assam creating new challenges for both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. Borah’s sharp criticism of Sonowal’s shift in political allegiance is a clear indication that the Congress party is positioning itself as the primary challenger to the BJP in the state.
As Assam moves closer to the next election, the focus on corruption, leadership, and governance will undoubtedly dominate the political discourse. With leaders like Bhupen Borah continuing to challenge the credibility of the current BJP leadership, the coming months will see further intensification of political rivalry in the state.
Borah’s comments come at a time when Assam’s political landscape is marked by intense competition between the BJP and Congress. The Congress party has been keen to highlight the discrepancies in the BJP’s promises, especially regarding corruption and governance. Borah’s accusation about Sonowal’s change of stance has provided a new point of contention, which is likely to further fuel the rivalry between the two parties in Assam. With both parties focusing on issues like corruption, development, and leadership, the stakes are high for the upcoming elections.
The BJP, on the other hand, is working to solidify its position by emphasizing its leadership under Sarma, while presenting itself as the party that has brought development and stability to Assam. The ruling party is confident that Sarma’s leadership and the party’s track record will resonate with voters, despite the allegations against him. However, Borah’s accusations suggest that Congress sees a vulnerability in the BJP’s narrative, particularly as it seeks to challenge Sarma’s credibility.
Borah’s sharp criticism also highlights a growing trend within the Congress to challenge the leadership of BJP not just through policy but also by addressing personal credibility issues. This shift indicates that the Congress is attempting to adopt a more aggressive approach in countering BJP’s influence in Assam, particularly after Sonowal’s departure from state politics. The Congress is working to consolidate its base in the state by calling attention to what it perceives as contradictions in the BJP’s political positioning.
As the state gears up for the next election cycle, Assam’s political environment is set to witness a fierce battle between the BJP and Congress. With both parties vying for voter support, issues such as corruption, leadership integrity, and the future of Assam’s development will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the campaign. Borah’s allegations against Sonowal and the BJP are likely to stir more debates, and it remains to be seen how these accusations will shape the political fortunes of the parties involved. The coming months will be crucial in determining which party holds the upper hand in Assam’s volatile political arena.