Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Called “Jinnah of Assam” by Congress Leader Gaurav Gogoi

Guwahati: Congress leader and Assam state unit chief Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following the confirmation that senior Congress leader Bhupen Borah will join the BJP on February 22.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Gogoi referred to Sarma as the “Jinnah of Assam” and accused both Sarma and Borah of undermining Congress. He alleged that confidential party meetings were being leaked to Sarma’s close contacts, raising questions about loyalty and transparency within the state unit.

Allegations and Leaks

Gogoi said that rumors of a close relationship between Sarma and Borah had circulated earlier, but he had not believed them. However, Borah’s resignation and impending switch to the BJP confirmed these suspicions. According to Gogoi, Borah had no hesitation in leaving Congress and aligning with Sarma.

Congress Will Not Be Impacted

Gaurav Gogoi maintained that Borah’s departure would not weaken Congress. He added that the party’s campaign had already exposed Sarma’s real estate empire. Gogoi criticized Sarma for previously maligning Borah publicly, while now portraying him as a loyal and honest Hindu leader, despite ongoing investigations against Borah by the state’s Women’s Commission.

Borah’s Track Record

Bhupen Borah served as Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025. Following his resignation, Borah defended his decision, stating that he had warned Gogoi via a letter a month earlier about his mistreatment within the party. Borah also noted that Rahul Gandhi contacted him after his resignation, recalling their relationship dating back to 2007, but did not address the issues raised in his resignation letter. He claimed that Gogoi no longer had effective control over party affairs, with decisions being influenced by Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain.

Borah’s exit and the ensuing controversy highlight growing tensions within Assam Congress as the BJP consolidates its influence in the state.