Congress Leader Gaurav Gogoi Dismisses Bhupen Borah's Exit, Brands Assam CM as 'Assam's Jinnah'
In a fiery press conference held in Guwahati on Wednesday, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi downplayed the significance of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah's defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gogoi, addressing the media ahead of crucial assembly polls, provocatively labeled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as 'Assam's Jinnah', drawing a sharp parallel in political rhetoric.
Gogoi Addresses Borah's Resignation and Joining BJP
Bhupen Borah, who served as the Assam Congress president from 2021 to 2025, officially resigned from the party on February 22 and swiftly aligned with the BJP. Gogoi, however, sought to minimize the impact of this move. 'We tried our best not to believe these rumours and speculation,' Gogoi stated, referring to long-standing whispers about a close relationship between Borah and Sarma.
He elaborated, 'We always wondered how confidential meeting details were leaked to a journalist close to Himanta Biswa Sarma. These rumours have proven true. A day after resigning, Bhupen Borah had no qualms about joining the BJP and surrendering to Himanta Biswa Sarma.'
Allegations of Land Scandal and Political Distraction
Gogoi escalated his attack by alleging that Chief Minister Sarma's actions stem from desperation. 'The entire state is questioning how 4,000 acres of land belong to one family,' he claimed, referencing what he described as a real estate empire linked to Sarma.
'Through various programs, the Congress party has successfully uncovered this. They are forced to take such decisions to distract the public,' Gogoi asserted, emphasizing that Borah's defection would not derail the Congress campaign. 'We will continue the fight to remove Himanta Biswa Sarma from power.'
Contradictions in Sarma's Stance Highlighted
Further criticizing the chief minister, Gogoi pointed to perceived inconsistencies in Sarma's public statements. 'A few days ago, Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Bhupen Borah for vulgar actions during an interaction with a Mahila Congress leader. An inquiry by the Women's Commission is pending. Now, Sarma hails Borah as the most upright Hindu leader,' Gogoi noted, questioning the sudden shift in narrative.
Borah's Defense and Sarma's Response
Earlier, Bhupen Borah defended his decision to leave the Congress, citing years of service and personal grievances. 'I gave 32 years to Congress. I suffered a nose injury and bled in front of Rahul Gandhi,' Borah recounted. He added that he had written to Gaurav Gogoi a month prior, threatening a press conference over alleged humiliation, but felt his concerns were ignored by the high command.
In response, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who met Borah at his Guwahati residence, claimed the Congress was 'not a place for Hindus' and described Borah as the 'last recognised Hindu leader' in the party without family connections. Sarma predicted that Borah's move would have a significant psychological impact on Congress workers, potentially swaying morale ahead of the elections.
This political drama unfolds as Assam gears up for assembly polls, with both parties leveraging defections and allegations to gain an upper hand. The Congress, under Gogoi's leadership, remains steadfast in its critique, while the BJP integrates new members to bolster its campaign strategy.
