"This Is Not a Lover’s Kiss": Akhil Gogoi Responds to ‘Chumban Baba’ Jibe

Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday strongly refuted allegations and online ridicule after being labelled “Chumban Baba or Suma Baba”, a term that has gained traction on social media and in political discourse in Assam.

Gogoi alleged that the nickname was part of a deliberate political attempt to malign his image, particularly at moments when he intensifies his political attacks on the state government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

“Whenever I return to active politics with force, it becomes a difficult day for the Chief Minister and his government. That is why efforts are being made to make me infamous,” Gogoi said.

Allegations of Political Targeting

The MLA claimed that false narratives were being circulated portraying him as someone who “desperately kisses women,” an allegation he categorically denied. He further alleged that such claims were being selectively amplified on social media to damage his reputation.

Gogoi rejected claims that he targeted women from any specific community, appearing unfazed and even laughing as he addressed the issue before a large gathering.

‘Not a Lover’s Kiss’: Gogoi’s Clarification

Addressing visuals that have circulated online showing him kissing individuals in public, Gogoi said the act had been misinterpreted and sensationalised.

“I never kissed anyone with any bad intention. I respect every woman as my mother. These gestures cannot be compared to a lover’s kiss,” he said.

He asserted that the incident lacked any romantic or inappropriate context and accused political opponents of weaponising the visuals to divert attention from governance-related issues.

How the ‘Chumban Baba’ Label Emerged

As per reports, the controversy erupted after photographs and video clips circulated online, allegedly showing Gogoi kissing a few elderly women from a minority community after an eviction drive in Assam last year. Political rivals later used the visuals to coin the nickname “Chumban Baba,” which spread widely on social media.

While Gogoi’s supporters argue that the gesture was taken out of context, critics maintain that such conduct by an elected representative is open to public scrutiny.

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