BJP Accuses Gaurav Gogoi of ‘Pro-Miya’ Politics Ahead of Assam Elections, Congress Retaliates

Guwahati: Bharatiya Janata Party’s Assam unit has lashed out at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that he is promoting what it termed a “pro-Miya ideology” and concentrating his political strategy on a limited cluster of minority-dominated constituencies.

Addressing reporters at the party’s state headquarters, BJP spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi claimed that divisions within the opposition are largely restricted to around 22 Assembly seats where minority voters form a decisive bloc. He argued that the Congress, instead of presenting a united statewide platform, appears to be focusing disproportionately on these constituencies.

"The contemporary Congress, under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, appears to be treading in the ideological footsteps of pro-Miya stalwarts Saadulla and Bhashani, aggressively mobilising itself for Miya-dominated seats." This assertion was made by BJP State Spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi at a press conference held today at the State BJP headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan.

The spokesperson further remarked that the much-publicised narrative of opposition unity in the state has degenerated into a hollow spectacle. During the 2021 Assembly elections, as well as subsequent by-elections and Panchayat polls, the Congress repeatedly invoked the rhetoric of Opposition unity, yet ultimately betrayed its allies and contested independently.

He also revealed that out of 800 applications received from across 126 constituencies, more than 600 originated from Miya-dominated regions such as Chenga, Dhing, Chamaria, and Dalgaon. This unmistakably demonstrates that Congress’s electoral enthusiasm is disproportionately concentrated in Miya-majority areas rather than indigenous-dominated regions. 

The BJP further contended that its own organisational strength remains firm across indigenous-majority seats in Assam, while the opposition alliance continues to struggle with coordination and seat-sharing arrangements. The spokesperson also drew comparisons with earlier Congress leadership in the state, suggesting that the party’s current direction marks a departure from its previous broader-based appeal.

Meanwhile, the BJP announced the launch of its mass outreach programme, the Jan Ashirwad Yatra, scheduled to begin on 28 February. The campaign will be led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and is expected to cover more than 40 constituencies. According to party leaders, the initiative aims to connect directly with voters, assess grassroots concerns, and highlight the government’s development agenda.

The political temperature in Assam has been steadily rising as parties prepare for the 2026 Assembly elections. With negotiations and strategic positioning intensifying among opposition groups, the BJP’s remarks signal an increasingly combative campaign phase in the months ahead.

Opposition Retaliates: Allegation that the Himanta Biswa Sarma Government is Running a “Syndicate Raj”

On the other hand, APCC Working President and MLA Pradip Sarkar, along with Co-Chairman of the Social Media Department Aman Wadud, addressed a press conference in Dhubri today and sharply criticised the five-year tenure of the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing the “Charge Sheet” released on February 19.

Sarkar and Wadud alleged that under the Himanta Biswa Sarma government, a rampant “syndicate raj” is prevailing in the state. They claimed that illegal mining and a commission system across various departments have expanded significantly. The Congress leaders alleged that massive funds have been generated through the illegal transportation of timber, sand, stone, coal, iron, and other materials. 

Criticising the “bulldozer policy,” the Congress leaders alleged that many people were evicted without proper notice or rehabilitation. They questioned whether those who were labelled as Bangladeshis had actually been deported to Bangladesh. They also raised concerns over the increase in police encounters and the rising number of UAPA cases.

On environmental concerns, they alleged that forest cover in the state has declined and that mining mafias have destroyed protected areas. They further accused the government of failing to resolve the persistent flood problem in Guwahati and other major towns of the state. Regarding Guwahati’s floods, they alleged that even after the eviction drive at Silsako, the issue remains unresolved.

It now remains to be seen to what extent the war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress further intensifies in the coming weeks, while both parties race against time before heading towards the Assam elections.

Also Read: Assam: Woman Alleges Group Sexual Assault in Silchar; One Suspect Arrested