Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has invoked an anecdote involving Prophet Muhammad to challenge Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his criticism of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking at a press conference on October 12, 2026, Sarma used the story to highlight the importance of practising what one preaches, as the political confrontation over alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists intensified.
The remarks came amid opposition protests demanding Kumar’s resignation and renewed questions about the Election Commission of India’s handling of electoral rolls. Sarma defended the poll panel and questioned the Congress leader’s approach to accountability and democratic institutions.
India Today NE
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Prophet Muhammad anecdote used to make a political point
During the press conference, Sarma narrated a story about a mother who approached Prophet Muhammad with her child. The mother wanted the Prophet to advise the child to stop eating too many sweets.
According to Sarma’s account, the Prophet asked the mother and child to return after three days. When they came back, he advised the child to stop eating sweets.
The mother then asked why he had not given the same advice during their first visit. Sarma explained that the Prophet had needed time to address the habit himself before advising the child to change.
The Assam chief minister used the anecdote to underline a simple principle: leaders should practise what they preach before asking others to follow their example. He applied this argument to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Election Commission and its chief.
The story formed the central point of Sarma’s response, linking a moral lesson about personal conduct with the ongoing political dispute.
India Today NE
Assam CM challenges Rahul Gandhi over CEC Gyanesh Kumar
The remarks came as the Congress and other opposition parties stepped up their campaign against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition has questioned the Election Commission’s handling of voter-list revisions and accused the poll panel of failing to address concerns about electoral fairness.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently defended the Election Commission, arguing that its decisions are not made by the chief election commissioner alone.
In September, Sarma said the commission functions as a collective body and that decisions are taken through majority agreement. His defence followed reports of disagreements among election commissioners over certain decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Election Commission subsequently maintained that decisions relating to the revision were taken unanimously. Sarma described the allegations against Kumar as part of a political campaign against the institution.
The Times of India
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Rahul Gandhi demands CEC’s resignation
Rahul Gandhi has continued to demand Kumar’s resignation, accusing the Election Commission of failing to ensure a fair electoral process.
On October 12, Gandhi told reporters that Kumar should resign and become an approver, alleging that the chief election commissioner was not the principal figure behind the alleged wrongdoing. He claimed that more powerful individuals were involved and accused the government of protecting Kumar.
Gandhi’s comments came ahead of an INDIA bloc march towards the Supreme Court in New Delhi. The opposition intended to challenge alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission and press for accountability.
The Congress leader also said the opposition would continue its protests until Kumar stepped down and changes were made to the electoral system. These claims remain allegations, while the Election Commission and the BJP have rejected accusations of politically motivated action.
The Economic Times
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SIR controversy intensifies political confrontation
The dispute centres partly on the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls. The exercise has triggered protests over concerns about voter deletions, verification procedures and the potential exclusion of eligible voters.
Opposition parties have argued that the process threatens voting rights and electoral transparency. They have demanded greater accountability from the Election Commission and raised questions about whether the revisions could affect political competition.
The Election Commission and the ruling BJP, however, have maintained that the exercise is intended to identify duplicate, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries. They have denied that the process is designed to benefit a particular political party.
The controversy has also prompted demonstrations in Delhi. On October 10, authorities detained protesters during a crackdown on a youth-led movement demanding Kumar’s resignation. Opposition leaders subsequently intensified their campaign, taking the dispute beyond political rallies and towards legal action.
Reuters
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Political row puts Election Commission under scrutiny
Sarma’s remarks add another dimension to the confrontation between the BJP and Congress. By invoking Prophet Muhammad’s example, the Assam chief minister framed his criticism around personal consistency and the responsibility of political leaders to follow the standards they demand from others.
For the Congress, the central issue remains the credibility of the electoral process and the need to address allegations of irregularities. For the BJP, defending the Election Commission has become an important part of its response to the opposition’s campaign.
The debate is likely to continue as opposition parties pursue their demands through protests and legal channels. Ultimately, the credibility of the electoral process will depend on transparent procedures, clear explanations from the authorities and the fair examination of evidence behind the competing claims.
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