Gaurav Gogoi Rips Into Himanta, Says Congress Rising Across Assam

Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Monday launched a sharp political attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing a Youth Congress programme in Guwahati, asserting that the Congress remains rooted in its ideology and is regaining public support across the state.

Speaking at the Youth Congress rally titled “Jati Bachaok, Mati Bachaok” held at Shilpgram, Gogoi said the Congress was witnessing renewed enthusiasm among supporters, claiming that public response during his recent visits across Upper, Central and Lower Assam indicated growing confidence in the party ahead of the Assembly elections.

He said Congress workers were now able to mobilise large gatherings with minimal preparation, a shift he described as evidence of rising organisational strength. According to him, district-level programmes are being conducted simultaneously, senior leaders are travelling extensively through outreach campaigns, and booth-level preparations are underway with the help of trained teams.

Gogoi alleged that this expanding grassroots presence had unsettled the ruling establishment and claimed that the BJP was attempting to obstruct Congress leaders during public engagements. He also criticised the Chief Minister over governance issues, accusing the government of failing to address unemployment, drug abuse and the condition of rural infrastructure despite highlighting development projects.

Questioning the state’s priorities, he alleged that revenue from liquor sales was being placed above public welfare and that land-related schemes had not benefited the poorest sections as intended. He further claimed that indigenous and tribal land rights were being compromised while politically connected groups gained advantage.

In a strongly worded political statement, Gogoi said he would remain loyal to the Congress regardless of whether the party returns to power, describing it as a commitment rooted in legacy and ideology. He emphasised that his political journey would continue along inclusive lines, representing people from all communities and faiths.

He also accused the Chief Minister of creating pressure on social media voices critical of the government, alleging that influencers and individuals expressing opinions online were being targeted. Calling for democratic space to be protected, Gogoi said people should be allowed to speak freely without fear.

Targeting Sarma personally, Gogoi remarked that the Chief Minister’s political credibility was declining and predicted that he would be among the first to leave the BJP if the party lost power. He also criticised what he described as shifting political loyalties and challenged the Chief Minister to publicly commit to remaining in the party through both favourable and difficult times.

The Congress leader concluded by urging party workers and supporters not to be intimidated, saying the organisation remained united and committed to building an inclusive Assam that accommodates people across caste, religion and region.

Several party leaders attended the programme, including Youth Congress observer Mitendra Darshan Singh, Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur, MLA Nurul Huda and Assam Pradesh Youth Congress president Zubair Anam, along with workers and supporters from across the state.

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