Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, March 2: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Monday launched a sharp attack on Assam Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, questioning his lineage, religious outlook and political positioning, setting off a fresh round of political sparring in the state.
Addressing reporters in Guwahati, Margherita alleged that Gogoi was “not a true Ahom” and claimed that three members of his family were foreigners.
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He further accused the Congress leader of harbouring contempt towards Hinduism and alleged that such sentiments had influenced his personal choices.
The remarks come amid heightened political debates ahead of upcoming electoral contests in Assam.
The Union minister asserted that issues of identity, culture and faith cannot be separated from public life and said the people of Assam were aware of what he described as the “real background” of certain Congress leaders.
He alleged that some political figures were attempting to mislead voters while distancing themselves from the state’s traditional values.
Margherita also accused the Congress of politicising identity issues without addressing the aspirations of indigenous communities.
He said the electorate was increasingly seeking clarity and accountability from political representatives.
The Congress has strongly refuted such allegations in the past, terming similar remarks as politically motivated and divisive.
Party leaders have maintained that personal attacks on religion and ancestry are aimed at diverting attention from governance-related concerns.
Political observers note that identity politics has once again taken centre stage in Assam’s discourse, with leaders from rival parties trading sharp remarks as electoral activity intensifies.
The controversy is likely to further heat up the political climate in the coming days.
