Akhil Gogoi dares Himanta to contest from Sivasagar, says CM avoided politics and skipped key promises

Raijor Dal leader and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on February 4, said Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma did not make any political remarks during his visit to the Sivasagar Legislative Assembly constituency.

Reacting to the Chief Minister’s speech delivered on the sidelines of distributing seed funds under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), Gogoi said he was expecting a political statement but none was made.

“I was waiting for the moment when he would say something political, but he did not make any political remark,” Gogoi said.

He added that the Chief Minister also did not make any concrete comments on development-related issues, including the Total Ghor housing initiative, restoration of Dikhou bridge, dredging of Jamunamukh, and the Dorika project. “He did not speak clearly on these promises,” Gogoi said.

Gogoi also noted that the Chief Minister refrained from making any negative comments about him. “Since he did not say anything against me, I am happy about it and have nothing further to say,” he added.

Reiterating his party’s political confidence, Gogoi said Raijor Dal would contest and win from Sivasagar. Calling Sivasagar the “number one indigenous capital of Assam,” he said he was proud to represent the Assamese people from the historic town.

Taking a swipe at the Chief Minister, Gogoi alleged that Sarma wins elections from Jalukbari with the support of “outsiders” and challenged him to contest from Sivasagar. “You speak so much about indigenous (khilonjia) people. Come and contest from Sivasagar,” he said.

Gogoi also announced that Dr Gyanashree Bora, an Assistant Professor from the Department of Chemistry at Goalpara College, has resigned from government service and will formally join Raijor Dal at 11 am on February 5. Dr Bora had earlier served as the party’s spokesperson and president of its women’s wing before joining the teaching profession in June 2023.

“I am very happy that the new generation is taking interest in politics. She is a bright mind, and we will give her an appropriate role in the party,” Gogoi said.

On welfare schemes, Gogoi said Raijor Dal would enhance financial assistance if voted to power. “The present government is giving Rs 1,500 under the Orunodoi scheme. We will increase it to Rs 3,000 when we form the government,” he added.