‘Obscene Gesture’ during Parivartan Yatra: Himanta Biswa Sarma demands women’s commission probe of Congress leaders

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 7 launched a scathing attack on Congress leaders, including former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Leader of the Opposition Bhupen Borah, over what he described as an “obscene and unacceptable gesture” made during a public interaction, saying the incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of Assamese women and girls.

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said he was raising the issue “with a sad note” and alleged that Bhupen Borah, along with senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia, displayed a gesture that he termed beyond imagination. Sarma said he would reveal further details after the day’s Cabinet briefing.

The Chief Minister alleged that the gesture was directed in a manner that insulted Assamese women and girls, and asserted that such conduct should not be tolerated in public life. He said that if the Congress party does not take disciplinary action and expel the leaders involved, they should not expect acceptance from Assamese society.

Sarma further claimed that visuals of the incident had reached him from Delhi, where people reportedly questioned whether such behaviour had become normal in Assam. He said the footage was shocking and raised serious concerns about the mindset of the Congress leadership.

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Referring to the context of the incident, the Chief Minister suggested that the alleged gesture may have been a reaction to slogans from the roadside, possibly by women expressing that they would not vote for the Congress. However, he stressed that no provocation could justify such behaviour from senior political leaders.

Expressing surprise that the visuals had not been widely aired on television channels or digital news platforms, Sarma questioned why the matter had not received the attention it deserved. He said he found it difficult to comprehend that a Leader of the Opposition and former APCC president, along with a female Congress leader, Mira Borthakur, could be associated with such conduct.

“Congress has gone to its lowest level,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he had no personal animosity but was compelled to question the mentality behind such actions. He remarked sarcastically that leaders with such attitudes aspire to become ministers for women’s welfare, social welfare, or even Chief Minister in the future.

Sarma also announced that he has formally asked for the video clip to be forwarded to the Assam State Women’s Commission and requested the commission to take cognisance of the matter. He said the issue concerns the dignity and respect of women and must be examined seriously by the appropriate authority.

The Congress party is yet to issue an official response to the Chief Minister’s allegations.