Himanta Biswa Sarma rebuts Gaurav Gogoi; infrastructure projects ‘not about chai-samosa but national security’

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 15, hit back at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi for questioning recent infrastructure initiatives and comparing them to the cost of “chai and samosa”, asserting that projects such as the Moran Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) are rooted in national security considerations.

Reacting to Gogoi’s remarks questioning how high airfares and expensive airport tea benefit poor people, Sarma said such arguments showed a lack of understanding of governance and security priorities.

“To run a government and ensure the security of the State, one must have depth. If an enemy country attacks us, how will we protect ourselves? The Northeast is surrounded by Bangladesh, Myanmar and China. We face unique vulnerabilities,” Sarma said.

He stressed that projects such as the Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran and other strategic infrastructure works are crucial for national defence and should have been implemented earlier.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came after Gogoi questioned the relevance of such developments to ordinary citizens.

“How much does a ticket from Dibrugarh to Delhi cost? Around Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000. How many poor people can afford that? How does this benefit them?” Gogoi asked.

He also pointed to high prices at airports. “A cup of tea costs Rs 150 to Rs 200. Can you get tea for Rs 10 inside the airport? If not, how does this help poor people?” he said.