Even if 100 Gogois come together, they cannot help Assam progress: TMC leader Ripun Bora

Reacting over the ‘3 Gogoi’ controversy with regards to the delimitation of constituencies in Assam, Trinamool Congress leader from Assam Ripun Bora, on July 4 stated that even if 100 Gogois come together, they cannot help Assam progress. 

He further said that the trio, Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi and Assam Jatiya Parishad leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi should not create any controversy by representing only a particular community to fulfill their demands.

Speaking to the media with regard to the Gogoi controversy, Ripun Bora said, “They should put forth themselves as the leader of Assam. Don’t know why such confusion or controversy is arising in this matter? They shouldn’t portray as leaders of the Ahom community alone. Assam cannot progress if leaders only represent a particular community. Leave three, even if 100 Gogois come forward, then Assam too will not develop. Hence, at this crucial time, everyone irrespective of caste, creed, religion, gender, or status should come together and stand against BJP''.
 
“There are not only three Gogois but nearly 3 crore Gogois in Assam. We all are people of Assam. In this case, whether it is Akhil Gogoi, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, or Gaurav Gogoi, they shouldn’t create confusion or problem by stating that represent only the Gogoi or the Ahom community,” he added.

Borah also urged all to unite and fight against BJP instead of representing only a particular community as this way Assam will not progress. 

Earlier, Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi raised concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) attempt to label him as the leader of the Ahom community. In a press conference held in Guwahati on July 3, Gogoi questioned the motives behind this move, considering that the BJP has previously advocated for the security and welfare of indigenous people in Assam.

Speaking about the delimitation draft and its potential impact on indigenous communities, Gogoi emphasized that his concerns were not limited to the Ahom community alone. 

"We raised our voice against the damage that will befall all ethnic communities in Assam due to the proposed delimitation process. We spoke on behalf of Koch Rajbongshi, Tiwa, and every other indigenous community in Assam," he stated.

Referring to the recent popularity of the name 'Gogoi' in Assam, Gogoi expressed skepticism regarding the BJP's intentions. He questioned why the party only acknowledged the prominence of three Gogois while ignoring other surnames like Saikia, Boras, or Talukdars. Gogoi challenged the BJP's attempt to portray him as the leader of the Ahom community, considering his broader advocacy for all indigenous communities in the state.

Also read : Assam: Akhil Gogoi questions BJP's attempt to frame him as Ahom leader