Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday launched a sharp political attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal, alleging that the two function as “two sides of the same coin” and share a tacit understanding.
Addressing an election rally at Marikachar in support of Congress candidate Mahibur Rahman, Gogoi accused the state government of applying a “double standard” in law enforcement. He claimed that Congress leaders face arrest even for remarks made outside Assam, while no action is taken against Ajmal for alleged derogatory comments targeting the Chief Minister.
Gogoi further asserted that the Congress, which he said had defeated Ajmal’s “communal politics” in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, would similarly overcome Sarma’s political strategy in the forthcoming Assembly polls.
The Congress leader also accused Sarma of political betrayal, alleging that former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had mentored him during his tenure in the Congress before he switched allegiance. He further claimed that Sarma sidelined former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal following the BJP’s return to power in 2021.
Targeting the BJP’s ally Asom Gana Parishad, Gogoi alleged that individuals with links to All India United Democratic Front have joined the regional party, claiming that “a vote for AGP is effectively a vote for AIUDF.”
Outlining the Congress party’s poll agenda, Gogoi listed five key guarantees, including justice for singer Zubeen Garg within 100 days, financial assistance for women, expanded health insurance coverage, a pension scheme for senior citizens, and land pattas for indigenous communities.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who shared the stage, endorsed Gogoi’s leadership and accused the Assam government of corruption, urging voters to back the Congress in the upcoming elections.