“Rahul Blocked Me, But Maa Kamakhya Blessed Me": Assam CM Revisits Congress days

Guwahati: In a candid and reflective statement to the media, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revisited a dramatic chapter of his political journey, claiming he was once poised to become Chief Minister during his time in the Congress — only for the decision to be overturned at the last moment.

Sarma alleged that when Mallikarjun Kharge visited Assam during his tenure in the Congress, 58 MLAs had spoken in his favour for the top post. “Many were neutral, and only 12 said I should not be the Chief Minister or that the existing one should continue. I was not given justice then,” he said.

According to Sarma, the initial green signal had come from the party’s top leadership. He claimed that Sonia Gandhi had personally called him and asked him to fix a date for the oath-taking ceremony. “I told her it should be after Ambubachi, not during Ambubachi,” he said, referring to the annual religious observance at the revered Kamakhya Temple.

However, the political tide turned swiftly.

Sarma alleged that Rahul Gandhi, who was in the United States at the time, intervened and opposed his elevation. “Rahul Gandhi called from America. And he was against me. But it was good that it didn’t happen at that time,” Sarma remarked.

The Chief Minister described the episode as “a blessing from Maa Kamakhya.” He suggested that had he assumed office then, it would have brought a “stain” on his political life and prevented him from working the way he does today.

“If I had become CM at that time, I would not have been able to work for Sanatan and for the people of Assam in this way,” he said, adding that the setback ultimately strengthened his resolve. “It was a blessing in disguise. I thank Rahul Gandhi for not making me CM then.”

Sarma acknowledged that he felt deeply disappointed at the time but now believes destiny had a larger plan. “Today I believe that God leads people in the right direction. Even if people make mistakes, God corrects the path,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that he plans to detail the full account in his memoir someday, hinting that more behind-the-scenes political revelations may emerge in the future.

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