Assam Chief Minister Initiates Defamation Proceedings Against Congress Leaders
In a significant political development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared his intention to file a defamation case against top Congress leaders. This announcement comes just hours after Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi accused Sarma's family of illegally acquiring approximately 12,000 bighas of land, which translates to over 3,960 acres across the state.
Defamation Case Scheduled for February 2026
Chief Minister Sarma made the announcement through a post on the social media platform X, stating that he will initiate both civil and criminal defamation proceedings on February 9, 2026. The targeted individuals include Jitendra Singh, Bhupesh Baghel, Gaurav Gogoi, and Debabrata Saikia. Sarma labeled their statements as "false, malicious, and defamatory," emphasizing that these allegations were made during a press conference held earlier in the day.
Congress Leaders' Allegations and Press Conference Details
The allegations were leveled by Gaurav Gogoi during a press conference at the Assam Congress headquarters in Guwahati. The event was also addressed by other prominent Congress figures, including Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia, All India Congress Committee General Secretary Jitendra Singh, and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Gogoi specifically claimed that Sarma's family has been involved in grabbing around 12,000 bighas of land, sparking a heated political controversy.
Sarma's Firm Response to Political Accusations
In his response, Chief Minister Sarma took a strong stance against what he described as "hit-and-run politics." He challenged the Congress leaders to present any evidence they might have in a court of law, asserting, "The era of hit-and-run politics is over. If they have even an ounce of courage or evidence, let them prove every allegation before a court of law." Additionally, Sarma expressed his resilience against political attacks, stating, "I will not be intimidated by propaganda, coordinated slander, or political theatrics of so-called slaves of the Gandhi family."
Broader Implications for Assam Politics
This incident highlights the escalating tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress in Assam. The defamation case, set to be filed in 2026, could have long-lasting repercussions on the political landscape of the state. It underscores the ongoing battles over land issues and governance, which are critical topics in Assam's socio-political discourse. As both sides prepare for legal and political confrontations, this development is likely to influence public opinion and electoral dynamics in the region.
