Gaurav Gogoi slams Assam CM, says his statements have ‘zero credibility’

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Sunday, Janury 11 organised a mass induction programme where several prominent leaders from rival parties joined, signalling intensified preparations ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. 

The high-profile induction programme, held at the Manbendra Sharma Complex, took place in the presence of APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, who simultaneously launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing his government of deception, injustice, and systematic erosion of democratic rights.

Among the notable entrants were Manoj Kumar Mahanta, who quit the BJP along with Rajen Gohain; Rezaul Karim Sarkar, former advisor of AMCHUR; Babul Saharia, husband of Ward 42 councillor Masuma Begum, who had earlier joined the BJP; and Rukma Medok, three-time state president of the Mishing Minority Council (MMK) and a long-serving social worker for the Mishing community.

The Congress fold was further strengthened with the induction of Kaushik Hazarika, former Secretary of the AGP Assam Youth Council, along with former state advisors Azizul Haque, Dilwar Husein Khan, Hasanur Zaman, and Chirajul Sarkar. Senior party leaders formally welcomed the new members by adorning them with party insignia, marking their official induction.

Addressing the gathering, Gaurav Gogoi outlined the Congress party’s political vision and asserted that Assam stood at a critical crossroads. He highlighted the Youth Congress’ ‘Save the Community, Save the Land’ campaign, describing land and community protection as the most pressing challenges facing the state.

“Assam cannot continue to be divided by hatred and violence. When people stand united, no Chief Minister can rule through fear. The people of Assam are the real rulers,” Gogoi said.

He also made strong assertions regarding voter rights, alleging attempts by the ruling BJP to manipulate electoral rolls and disenfranchise sections of society. “We will ensure that no outsider is included in voter lists. Every polling booth will have a help desk to protect citizens’ voting rights. Any religiously motivated evictions or voter list manipulations are political strategies, and we will fight them,” he said.

Launching a direct political offensive, Gogoi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of repeatedly making false and misleading statements, asserting that his credibility had eroded among the people. Referring to the Zubin Garg case, Gogoi alleged that the government had filed a “weak and compromised” chargesheet and failed to deliver justice.

“The Chief Minister’s words have zero credibility. Key individuals involved in the death of Zubin Garg have been deliberately excluded from the chargesheet because of their proximity to the Chief Minister and his family,” Gogoi alleged, calling it a clear case of political interference in the justice system.

He further accused the BJP of attempting to suppress voters across communities, including tribals, OBCs, SCs, and minorities, claiming that those who voted against the BJP in previous elections were being deliberately targeted. “This reflects the fear within the ruling party and strikes at the foundation of democracy,” he said.

Responding to criticism over ticket distribution and allegations against Congress leaders, Gogoi dismissed the Chief Minister’s remarks as irrelevant. “There is no proof behind these allegations. We will contest all 100 seats and ensure a fair, transparent, and people-centric election,” he asserted.

Outlining a broader vision for Assam’s future, Gogoi spoke of building unity across regions. “We aim to connect Sivasagar to Dhubri, Dhubri to Sivasagar, and Tinsukia to Dhubri—creating a cohesive Assam. Under Congress leadership, minority issues will be resolved permanently, land and community rights will be protected, and peace and stability will be restored,” he said.

Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur said the party was witnessing growing public confidence. “Congress is a party for everyone. Monthly induction programmes are being conducted across districts, and under Priyanka Gandhi’s supervision, candidate management will be streamlined. This time, Congress will form the government in Assam,” she said.

Newly inducted leader Rukma Medok said his decision to join Congress was driven by community concerns rather than personal ambition. “I am not seeking any post. I have joined to address long-pending issues of the Mishing community and contribute to Assam’s development,” he said.

Other former BJP members, including Babul Saharia, echoed similar sentiments, stating that they joined Congress to work for community welfare and democratic values.