Himanta Biswa Sarma was caught with revolver, went to jail – he’s a terrorist, says Congress MP

In a sharp political attack that has intensified the already heated Samaguri by-election campaign, Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Rakibul Hussain has leveled serious allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him a “terrorist” and accusing him of being involved in criminal activities during his early years.

Addressing reporters in Samaguri, Hussain, who is campaigning for his son Tanzil Hussain in the ongoing by-election, strongly condemned Sarma’s past, asserting, “Himanta Biswa Sarma was caught with a revolver while attempting to extort money in the name of ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom). He went to jail for this. He is a terrorist!” Hussain’s comments are based on an affidavit filed by a former police officer in court, claiming that Sarma was once involved with the militant group ULFA and had been caught during an extortion attempt.

Hussain said that Sarma’s rise to power was marred by corruption and violence, alleging that his involvement in criminal activities during the 1990s had shaped the way he governed Assam. “How can such a person, who was involved in illegal acts and extortion, be the Chief Minister of Assam today?” questioned Hussain, adding that Sarma had not properly surrendered to the government and had instead continued to rise politically despite his criminal past.

The former education minister’s actions are also under scrutiny by Hussain, who accused him of misusing his political position to facilitate corruption in Assam’s education sector. “When Sarma was the education minister, he opened coaching centers and leaked exam questions to ensure his chosen candidates passed with flying colors. This is how he created a corrupt system in Assam’s education,” Hussain stated. He further alleged that these coaching centers operated with the sole purpose of favoring specific individuals, with Sarma’s influence ensuring that those who studied there would have an unfair advantage in the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) exams.

Hussain said that Sarma’s governance was marked by a series of unethical practices, including the unfair distribution of jobs. “Sarma claims to have given one lakh jobs, but these were done unethically. It was under the leadership of Tarun Gogoi, with approval from people like me, that jobs were distributed fairly. Sarma’s methods were driven by personal gain,” Hussain charged.

Hussain blasted Sarma for his alleged role in the ongoing electoral malpractices. “Many police officers who did not obey Sarma’s orders have been transferred. He uses his influence to rig elections. I demand that cameras be installed in all polling booths to ensure free and fair voting,” he added, urging voters to come out in large numbers on election day and cast their votes without fear.

The Congress leader also took a shot at Sarma’s relationship with Assam’s tea workers. “Sarma flies around in helicopters made by the big corporates like Tata, Birla, and Ambani, while the tea workers in Samaguri, who are struggling for a fair wage, are left behind. He promised them Rs 350 per day but they have not received a penny,” Hussain said, highlighting the stark contrast between the ruling elite and the marginalized working class.

Hussain’s criticism was not limited to Sarma’s policies; he also expressed concern over his own safety. “Just days ago, my house was attacked by masked men, and I have filed an FIR. These people are trying to stop the elections from happening, and it’s all being orchestrated by Sarma’s police,” he claimed. He appealed to the authorities for increased security for his family, accusing Sarma’s supporters of trying to intimidate him and prevent a fair election.

Hussain also addressed Sarma’s comments on Congress politics, in which the Assam CM accused the party of engaging in dynastic politics. “He says Congress is a party of dynasties, but it is under his watch that unethical practices have been institutionalized. If anyone is playing with people’s lives for personal gain, it’s Himanta Biswa Sarma,” Hussain fired back.

Hussain, who had represented the constituency for five terms, has now made it clear that his fight is not just about his son’s candidacy but also about exposing what he calls the corrupt and illegal practices of the state’s top leadership.