"Let them go to court": Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Congress over land ownership allegations

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, February 10, launched a sharp political offensive against the Congress while outlining the BJP’s electoral positioning in western Assam, asserting that he is unfazed by legal threats, dismissing Opposition allegations.

Addressing a gathering in Bongaigaon, Sarma said that questions over his personal assets should be raised only before a court of law, asserting that he has already initiated legal action. “If anyone wants to know how much land I own, they can say it in court. That is why I have filed a defamation case,” the Chief Minister said.

Dismissing challenges from Congress leaders, Sarma said he was not intimidated by threats of legal action. “Let MLA Shivamoni Bora file a case, let Diganta Barman file a case, or let their leader Rahul Gandhi file a case. I have shown them the thumb,” he said, indicating that he was unafraid of such moves.

The Chief Minister also alleged internal political manoeuvring within the Congress, claiming that a section of the party was attempting to target Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. “A section of the Congress is trying to target Gaurav Gogoi. That is why I have deployed additional police so that they cannot gain sympathy,” Sarma said.

Speaking on seat strategy, Sarma asserted that the BJP would contest the Abhayapuri constituency without hesitation. “The BJP will contest in Abhayapuri; there is no problem in Abhayapuri. Whoever I name will sit there,” he said, signalling confidence in the party’s leadership and organisational strength.

However, the Chief Minister also acknowledged challenges within his own party in certain constituencies. Referring to Bilasipara, Sarma admitted that internal differences over ticket distribution could impact the party’s prospects. “There is infighting in Bilasipara over the party ticket. We may not even win Bilasipara,” he said.

Sarma further remarked on possible electoral trade-offs, stating that if Bhupen Roy were to contest from Abhayapuri, it could affect BJP’s position in Bongaigaon. “If Bhupen Roy contests from Abhayapuri, the BJP will have to take up the Bongaigaon constituency,” he said.