HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 28: The Assam BJP on Wednesday strongly defended Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership, describing him as the “architect of modern Assam”, while accusing Congress leaders, particularly Gaurav Gogoi, of attempting to mislead the public for political positioning ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, party spokesperson Devajit Mahanta responded to remarks made by Gaurav Gogoi questioning the identity and credentials of the chief minister.
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Mahanta said Himanta Biswa Sarma has played a decisive role in Assam’s development and governance, contrasting his political journey with that of Gogoi.
Referring to the chief minister’s background, Mahanta said Sarma, born on February 1, 1969, to Kailash Nath Sarma and Mrinalini Devi, is the 15th chief minister of Assam and has risen through public service without any political lineage.
He said the chief minister can “proudly say that his wife, son and daughter are children of India and Assam, and Indian citizens,” while alleging that three members of Gaurav Gogoi’s four-member family are foreigners.
He questioned how Gogoi could raise doubts about the chief minister’s identity in such a context.
Mahanta further alleged that apart from being the son of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Gaurav Gogoi has made no significant contribution to Assam’s political life.
In contrast, he said, Sarma’s grandfather, father or other family members had no connection with politics, underscoring what he described as a self-made political career.
Reacting sharply to Gaurav Gogoi’s remark comparing Himanta Biswa Sarma to the “Jinnah of Hindus”, Mahanta said such thinking reflected the Congress party’s historical legacy.
He claimed that “Jinnah’s genes are in Rajiv Bhavan and in the heart of the Congress party”, alleging that the Congress had historically supported communal politics.
He cited historical references to Jawaharlal Nehru’s role during the Constituent Assembly period and the inclusion of leaders associated with the Muslim League, and alleged that Congress leaders lacked the moral authority to make such comparisons.
Mahanta also said that before making such allegations, Gaurav Gogoi should clarify his own position and “prove that he has no connection with Pakistan”, accusing him of lacking historical understanding.
Responding to comments by AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal that Assam could be taken over by “Miyas” in the next 20 years, the BJP spokesperson said the party’s position was unequivocal.
He stated that the BJP had not given tickets to any “Miya” candidates in the 2014, 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, nor in the 2016 and 2021 Assembly elections, and would not do so in the 2026 Assembly polls either.
“The BJP does not need ‘Miya’ votes in the 2026 elections,” he said, adding that the party would not allow what it terms “love jihad” or “land jihad” in Assam.
Referring to remarks attributed to Rezaul Karim Sarkar about demographic changes in Dhubri and the possibility of “Miya” commissioners in cities like Guwahati and Sivasagar, Mahanta alleged that such statements were aimed at creating communal tension.
He warned that leaders making such remarks would face a strong political response from the BJP.
Mahanta also targeted the Congress party’s broader political strategy, claiming its alliances were limited to 22 minority-dominated constituencies and that it lacked acceptance among indigenous communities.
He described Akhil Gogoi as the “Badan Barphukan of modern Assam” and alleged that by aligning with Baghbar MLA Sherman Ali, Akhil Gogoi was also attempting to project himself as a “Miya leader”.
Concluding his remarks, the BJP spokesperson said the people of Assam would deliver a decisive verdict in the 2026 Assembly elections against what he termed a “Mughal-like Congress and opposition”, adding that despite repeated attempts in history, Assam had never been subdued and would not be so in the future.
