Himanta Biswa Sarma claims Gaurav Gogoi would prefer development in England or Pakistan

Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 11 launched a sharp attack on Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that the Congress leader has consistently opposed several major infrastructure projects in Assam.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at Swaraj Udyan in Jorhat, the chief minister said Gogoi had opposed the proposed elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park, the planned flyover in Jorhat and the proposed underwater tunnel project between Gohpur and Numaligarh.

Sarma alleged that Gogoi does not want development in Assam or India. “When the elevated corridor in Kaziranga was approved, Gaurav Gogoi opposed it. The same he did with regards to the flyover in Jorhat and the underwater tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh,” the chief minister said.

He further claimed that since Gogoi’s family lives in the United Kingdom, he would advocate development there rather than in India. Sarma also made a controversial remark suggesting that Gogoi would advocate development in England or Pakistan.

The chief minister also criticised sections of the media, saying journalists should question Gogoi about his stance on infrastructure projects in Upper Assam. “I have seen journalists do not have the guts to question Gaurav Gogoi, but I would request scribes to ask him questions,” Sarma said, adding that Gogoi had been against the development of the entire Upper Assam region.

Speaking about the upcoming elections, Sarma said several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have expressed interest in contesting against Gogoi. He said three BJP workers have been recommended as potential candidates and that the party’s parliamentary board is likely to meet soon.

According to Sarma, the BJP is expected to announce its list of candidates for all Assembly seats, including Jorhat, by March 17.

On the Teok Assembly seat, the chief minister said the BJP would have to consider its alliance commitments with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). He noted that some constituencies may be allocated to alliance partners in the larger interest of the National Democratic Alliance, though the specific seats to be shared have not yet been disclosed.