Aasu Leaders Confront Assam Congress President Over Divisive Comments
Leaders from the All Assam Students' Union have entered into a heated confrontation with Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi. This conflict stems from controversial remarks made by former All Assam Minorities Students' Union president Rejaul Karim Sarkar.
Sarkar's Provocative Statements Spark Outrage
Sarkar ignited significant controversy by vowing to transform indigenous-dominated Upper Assam districts. He specifically mentioned districts like Sivasagar and Tinsukia. His stated goal was to make them resemble Dhubri district, where minority communities hold substantial influence.
Aasu president Utpal Sarma raised serious questions on Saturday. He demanded to know why Gogoi remained completely silent during Sarkar's inflammatory speech. This speech occurred at a recent Congress joining event in Guwahati.
Congress Response and Immediate Fallout
Sarkar quickly resigned from his primary membership in the Congress party. This resignation followed sharp criticism from several senior party leaders regarding his comments. However, Gaurav Gogoi initially defended Sarkar's statements.
Gogoi claimed Sarkar was actually referring to the concept of Bor Asom, meaning Greater Assam. He argued Sarkar was advocating for unity among all communities in the region.
Aasu's Persistent Questions and Criticism
Utpal Sarma expressed strong dissatisfaction with this explanation. He stated Sarkar had clearly served his political purpose with those remarks. The communities Sarkar aimed to appease might feel satisfied, according to Sarma.
"But for us, the crucial question remains unanswered," Sarma emphasized. "Why couldn't the Assam Congress president prevent Sarkar from making such a divisive statement in the first place?"
Additional Controversial Remarks Surface
Sarkar made another contentious statement earlier this week at a cultural function in Bongaigaon. He urged the minority community to bring what he termed "jihad" into education. His advice included telling poor Muslim guardians they should not hesitate to sell a kidney if necessary to fund their children's education.
Chief Minister's Strong Warning and Response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a stern warning on Saturday. He declared that Sarkar would face immediate arrest if he ever used the term "jihad" in connection with education again.
"He could have discussed educational development constructively," the Chief Minister stated. "Instead, he dangerously compared it to love jihad, suggesting they would pursue education jihad. This is completely unacceptable."
The political atmosphere in Assam remains tense following these developments. Student unions continue to press for accountability from political leaders regarding inflammatory rhetoric.
