"If mistake made, I apologise too": Assam CM on minister Jayanta Mallabaruah's remarks against journalist

Amid rising anger across Assam’s journalistic community, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday took a strong stance on the controversy surrounding Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who allegedly made derogatory remarks against a journalist during a recent press briefing.

Calling the comment “inappropriate,” the Chief Minister not only urged the minister to issue a public apology but also extended his own personal regret over the incident. “If Jayanta Mallabaruah has used disrespectful words toward a journalist, I request him to apologise,” Sarma told reporters. “In our society, no one is above or beneath anyone—everyone deserves respect.”

Taking moral responsibility, Sarma added, “If a mistake has been made, I too apologise. It is not right to speak to a journalist in such a manner.”

The controversy stems from a June 27 press conference, during which Minister Baruah, while responding to questions on the Gir cow row, allegedly referred to a journalist from the Sadin-Pratidin group as belonging to a "lower class." The remark sparked an immediate and sharp backlash, with state-wide protests staged by journalist unions and press associations demanding an official apology and accountability.

Chief Minister Sarma also made a clear distinction between working journalists and media ownership, stating: “Journalists are not the target in our political disagreements. If inappropriate language was used, it should be corrected. But let us not conflate political tensions with media house ownership. My criticism, when necessary, is directed at owners, not at reporters.”

Sarma also used the occasion to reflect on the cultural sensitivities involved in recent debates. Referring to the Assamese dictionary Hemkosh, which recently drew political attention, he said, “Hemkosh is not just a book it is a national treasure. Issues of such cultural importance should never be dragged into controversies.”