Row Over Sarkar’s Comments: Congress Leader Clarifies, Calls Allegations Misleading

Former AAMSU president and current Congress leader Rejaul Karim Sarkar has issued a clarification following controversy over his recent remarks, which were allegedly interpreted as suggesting that "Sivasagar and Tinsukia would be made like Dhubri".

Sarkar asserted that his original statement was focused on unity, harmony, coordination, and development, with the vision of building a “greater Assam,” and not on creating or promoting any regional or communal divide.

“I spoke about unity, coordination, development and the vision of a greater Assam. However, a section has deliberately twisted my statement with vested interests. If anyone has been hurt by my words, I apologize and withdraw those lines,” Sarkar said.

Responding to criticism over his comments being projected as pitting Upper Assam against Lower Assam, Sarkar dismissed such interpretations as misleading and motivated, reiterating that his intent was never to create confrontation between regions.

Speaking to the media, Sarkar said, “I joined the Congress on Sunday, and my statement must be heard in its entirety. From beginning to end, I spoke about forming a greater Assamese society. Unfortunately, my words have been tarnished by vested interests within a section of the media and certain individuals.”

He further stated that his remarks were aimed at criticising what he described as the BJP government’s politics of division.

“I spoke about overcoming divisive politics and building a greater Assam based on development, unity, harmony, and coordination—aligning Upper Assam with Lower Assam, connecting the Barak and Brahmaputra valleys, and uniting Sadiya to Dhubri under the leadership of Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi,” Sarkar added.

Earlier on Sunday, the controversy escalated after Veer Lachit Sena leader Shrinkhal Chaliha launched a sharp attack on Sarkar, questioning his authority to speak on behalf of Upper Assam. Appearing visibly agitated on Sunday, Chaliha strongly condemned Sarkar’s alleged claim that he would “turn Sivasagar into Dhubri,” terming the remark completely unacceptable.

Chaliha warned that the people of Upper Assam would not remain silent in the face of what he described as provocative statements and demanded either an apology from Sarkar or accountability from him. He also made remarks referring to Sarkar’s background, which further intensified the political confrontation.

The issue drew strong reactions from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who came down heavily on Sarkar, accusing the Congress of fuelling divisive and dangerous narratives.

Reacting to the controversy, Sarma said such statements pose a threat to Assam’s social harmony and unity. Referring to Sarkar’s reported remarks comparing Sivasagar with Dhubri and making references to Bangladesh, the Chief Minister stated, “If Sivasagar is turned into Dhubri, then greater Assam will become ‘Miya Assam’.”

He further alleged that the rhetoric reflects a deep-rooted agenda within the Congress to polarise society and added that Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi should have intervened to restrain Sarkar from making such remarks.

Congress Joining Programme Signals Political Churn

It may be mentioned that the Congress party on Sunday organised a large-scale joining programme at the Manabendra Sharma Complex, signalling a significant political churn in Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Leaders from multiple political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), formally joined the Congress in the presence of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi, lending the event the character of a major show of strength for the opposition party.

A key highlight of the programme was the induction of former All Assam Minorities Students’ Union (AAMSU) president Rejaul Karim Sarkar into the Congress.

Addressing the gathering after joining the party, Sarkar said he had witnessed difficult times in the past and had chosen the Congress to work towards restoring peace, harmony, and dignity in Assam.

“I do not want an Assam driven by hatred and violence,” Sarkar said, expressing confidence that under Gaurav Gogoi’s leadership a “beautiful and inclusive Assam” could be rebuilt. “This platform will be used to raise every issue concerning the people and take Assam forward. Minority communities face several challenges, and I will work sincerely from this platform to find permanent solutions,” he added.

Sarkar further asserted that he would stand as a “soldier” alongside Gaurav Gogoi to dismantle what he described as an atmosphere of fear prevailing in the state.

Also Read: “Most Dangerous Day for Himanta Is When Assam Wakes Up”: Gogoi in Scathing Attack