Letter-Writing MLA’ and Assam CM’s Alleged Agent: Who’s Playing Whom in Assam Politics?

The political climate in Assam is heating up, with sharp exchanges between former All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) president Rezaul Karim Sarkar, senior Congress leaders, and the ruling BJP exposing cracks within the opposition and raising questions about the strategies of the state’s political heavyweights.

Rezaul Karim Accuses Debabrata Saikia of BJP Ties

Addressing a press conference at Jogighopa today, Sarkar made pointed allegations against Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia, claiming that he would have joined the BJP long ago if not for his mother’s emotional appeal.

“Debabrata Saikia is in the Congress today only because his mother requested him to stay. Otherwise, he would have worn the BJP’s saffron robe long ago,” Sarkar alleged.

Sarkar also highlighted Saikia’s alleged proximity to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing Saikia’s role in managing Sarma’s 2016 election campaign.

“Despite having so many cases in his name, why haven’t agencies like the CBI or ED ever knocked on Debabrata Saikia’s door?” Sarkar asked.
“This government sends ordinary people to jail for minor issues, but when it comes to Saikia, the tone suddenly becomes soft. Why?”

He further claimed that Saikia functions as an “agent of the Chief Minister” within the Congress, weakening the party from the inside.

“Debabrata Saikia does not behave like a leader of the Opposition. He behaves like the Chief Minister’s agent,” Sarkar said, reiterating earlier accusations.
Taking a dig at Saikia’s political style, Sarkar mockingly referred to him as a “letter-writing MLA.”

Criticism of Congress Leadership

Sarkar did not spare senior Congress leaders. Criticizing Pradyut Bordoloi, he said the party has failed to stand firmly with its cadre on crucial issues.

“By saying that you do not know who Rezaul Karim is, you have not insulted me alone. You have insulted every person from the minority community. Every minority person in Assam knows who Rezaul Karim is,” Sarkar stated.

The controversy is echoed by Sherman Ali Ahmed, MLA from Baghbor constituency, who has publicly leveled serious allegations against key Congress leaders amid speculation about a possible party switch.

In a Facebook post, Ahmed alleged that Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia is facing a case in the CBI court (Case No. 81/2004) in connection with the LOC scam, under sections 120B and 420 of the IPC, among others. Ahmed questioned how Saikia continues to operate freely despite these charges, even under the administration of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, hinting at possible double standards in law enforcement.

Ahmed also targeted MP Pradyut Bordoloi, highlighting Bordoloi’s remarks that he does not personally recognize the president of a leading community organization, despite securing nearly 80 percent of votes from that community. Ahmed accused the MP of remaining silent during crises affecting minority communities, citing government-backed eviction drives in Jagiroad and alleged harassment of Indian citizens in the name of identifying Bangladeshi nationals, describing Bordoloi as a “mute spectator.”

Further, Ahmed claimed that Debabrata Saikia, Pradyut Bordoloi, and certain opportunistic minority leaders are allegedly plotting to undermine Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi. He called on the party leadership to take firm and decisive action to counter internal conspiracies and protect the party’s credibility.

Adding another dimension, speculation is rife that Sherman Ali Ahmed may soon join another political party. Suspended from the Congress for alleged violation of party ethics, he is rumored to be gravitating toward Raijor Dal, led by Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, based on his recent public statements and gestures.

Rezaul Karim Resignation and Gogoi’s Response

Responding to queries about Sarkar’s sudden resignation, APCC President Gaurav Gogoi said in New Delhi that nearly 90 per cent of Sarkar’s joining-day statements focused on Barak Valley–Assam comparisons.

“His attempt to compare Sivasagar and Dhubri was wrong and inappropriate. Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia had expressed similar concerns, which I fully supported. We had advised him to exercise caution in making public statements,” Gogoi said.

Gogoi noted that Sarkar later followed his conscience and submitted his resignation.

Reiterating Saikia Is Not a BJP Agent

Addressing allegations that Saikia is a BJP agent, Gogoi rejected the claim outright:

“It is inappropriate to label Debabrata Saikia a BJP agent. The Congress has a single political objective.”

He reminded that Himanta Biswa Sarma and a few close associates were once part of Congress but later joined the BJP.

“The scams associated with them had Himanta Biswa Sarma at the centre. Today they are in the BJP,” Gogoi alleged.

The 20–22 Year Syndicate and Political Fallout

Gogoi alleged that a political syndicate has operated in Assam for 20–22 years, first under Congress and now under BJP, serving the interests of personal families rather than the people.

“For 20–22 years, personal families and relatives benefited — not the people of Assam. Corruption, arrogance, and low-level politics first alienated people from the Congress, and now the same is turning them against the BJP. We must free Assam from this politics forever,” he said.

Meanwhile, responding to accusations from Sarkar that he was a BJP agent, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia clarified his stance on political independence:

“Unlike the BJP, I do not want to lose my autonomy in the name of a united India. I do not understand why Rezaul Karim Sarkar is calling me a BJP agent.”

Interestingly, earlier, Saikia had downplayed Sarkar’s importance:

“There is no need to give Rezaul Karim Sarkar so much importance. Who is he, and what has been his contribution to Assam?” he asked.

He alleged that Sarkar was once close to the Chief Minister and hinted at political motives behind the ongoing controversy.

“Perhaps the Chief Minister no longer has useful agents within the Congress, which is why a new agent has been sent by him,” Saikia claimed, underscoring his insistence on maintaining political independence and rejecting claims of being aligned with the ruling party.

Also Read: “Who Is Himanta Biswa Sarma?” — Gaurav Gogoi Questions CM’s Authority Over ST Status, Zubeen Garg Death