AIUDF’s Rafiqul Islam criticises Rahul Gandhi, BJP over ‘Gamosa controversy’, calls citizenship rhetoric ‘empty’

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) General Secretary and MLA Rafiqul Islam on January 31, weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Assamese Gamosa, criticising both Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the BJP leadership, while accusing the ruling party of using identity politics and “empty rhetoric” ahead of elections.

Reacting to reports that Rahul Gandhi did not wear the Assamese Gamosa at a recent event, Islam said the traditional cloth must be treated with respect, regardless of political affiliation.
“Some people insult the Gamosa by rejecting it, while some insult it by merely hanging it around their neck without respecting its meaning,” Islam said. “What Rahul Gandhi did was not right either. If others are accepting the Gamosa, then it should be accepted with love and respect, even if only for a short time.”

At the same time, the AIUDF leader questioned the BJP’s repeated public display of the Gamosa by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that symbolism had not translated into tangible benefits for Assam.
“PM Modi and Amit Shah always wear the Gamosa around their necks. But what have they done for the Assamese people? There are still lakhs of unemployed youth in Assam. Promises were made, but they were not fulfilled,” he said.

Islam also criticised the BJP’s election-time rhetoric on illegal migration, calling it contradictory. Referring to Amit Shah’s recent statements about removing “infiltrators” and “Bangladeshis”, he termed such claims a “joke”.

“The BJP says they will remove foreigners, but in reality, they are giving citizenship by laying a red carpet,” Islam alleged, pointing to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He claimed that Bengali Hindus who migrated after 1971 were being granted citizenship, while the issue of illegal migration continued to be politicised.

He further asserted that Muslims have a long historical presence in Assam. “Muslims have been living in Assam for centuries, since the 12th century. Targeting Muslims by BJP leaders is a dream that will never come true,” he said, naming Modi, Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The controversy over the Gamosa, a cultural symbol of Assamese identity and respect, has triggered political sparring across parties, with leaders trading accusations over cultural sensitivity and political hypocrisy as the state moves closer to elections.