‘Gaurav Gogoi has kept my people in Congress; I fish them out when I need them’: Himanta

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a swipe at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi while campaigning for BJP-led NDA candidate Debashish Sharma in Laharighat on September 28, using a fishing analogy to target Congress leaders and workers in the state.

Addressing an election rally, Sarma said Gogoi had “kept” his people in the Congress and claimed that he could reach out to them whenever he needed them.

“Gaurav Gogoi has kept my people in Congress. Whenever I need them, I fish them out. Whenever I feel like eating Rahu or Borali, I fish them,” Sarma said, referring to two varieties of fish commonly eaten in Assam.

The chief minister also launched a personal attack on Laharighat MLA Asif Nazar, alleging that the legislator remains asleep until 10 or 11 in the morning. Sarma described Nazar as a “venture MLA” while questioning his contribution to the constituency.

Sarma also targeted Congress leader Rakibul Hussain, alleging that government schemes meant for the people of Nagaon were being cornered by him.

“Whatever government schemes come for the people of Nagaon, Rakibul Hussain takes them away because Rakibul Hussain is powerful,” Sarma said.

Development promises in Laharighat

Alongside his attacks on the opposition, Sarma announced a series of development-related initiatives for the region.

He said that if NDA candidate Debashish Sharma wins the October 6 Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, he would undertake a padyatra in Dhing, Mairabari and Laharighat on October 11.

Sarma also promised to bring all char and chapori areas currently located in Sonitpur and Darrang districts under Morigaon district.

He announced land pattas for people living in char areas and promised a paved road from Dhing to Bhuragaon under the Assam Mala scheme.

The chief minister further announced a science college in Mairabari and an industrial project in Laharighat.

Himanta dances with supporters

The rally also ended on a more informal note, with Sarma joining members of the gathering in a dance.

The chief minister danced with members of the minority community attending the rally as the BJP stepped up its outreach in the minority-dominated areas of the Nagaon constituency.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election is scheduled for October 6, with Debashish Sharma contesting as the BJP-led NDA candidate.