A heated exchange of words has erupted once again between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. Sarma reiterated his accusation that Gogoi is “100 per cent” a “Pakistani agent” and has been “planted by a foreign power.” Addressing reporters in Guwahati, Sarma stated, “Gaurav Gogoi is a Pakistani agent, he is purely that. He has been planted by foreign power in our country.” He further challenged anyone to file a defamation case against him if his claims are untrue, asserting he possesses substantial proof. Sarma explained his delay in a press conference on the matter, attributing it to potential accusations of diverting attention from the recent passing of singer Zubeen Garg.
In response to Sarma’s allegations, Congress’s Assam chief, Gaurav Gogoi, criticized the timing of the remarks, especially as the state mourns the death of singer Zubeen Garg. Gogoi took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment, “Over the past few months Himanta Biswa Sarma dangoriya has lost credibility. Yesterday when the entire state was watching Zubeen Garg perform for the last time in Roi Roi Binale, the Chief Minister’s comments showed his growing fear of losing power. It was another example of why he is unfit as the Chief Minister of the people of Assam.” Gogoi’s remarks implied that Sarma’s comments were an attempt to distract from political anxieties and showcased his unsuitability for the role of Chief Minister.
‘Roi Roi Binale’, Zubeen Garg’s final film, opened to full houses across Assam on Friday, drawing attention to the cultural landscape of the state amidst the political spat.