Gogoi slams BJP, raises questions over Sarbananda Sonowal's political standing

Majuli, Feb 13: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday alleged that former Chief Minister and current Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is being repeatedly “humiliated” within the BJP, questioning recent public remarks made about the party’s chief ministerial face for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Gogoi made the remarks during his visit to Auniati Satra, where he paid his respects and held discussions with the Satra authorities as part of the party’s ‘Samay Paribartan Yatra’.

While addressing reporters, Gogoi referred to a recent statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had announced at a public event that if the BJP returns to power in Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma would once again become Chief Minister.

“Is it appropriate to bring Sarbananda Sonowal on stage in his own Lok Sabha constituency and then publicly declare that Himanta Biswa Sarma will be the Chief Minister again?” Gogoi asked. “How is this not an insult to a former Chief Minister?”

Gogoi further alleged that Sonowal is being systematically sidelined within the BJP.

“We have observed that Sarbananda Sonowal, who often stands up for the people of Assam, is repeatedly humiliated. There seems to be a consistent attempt to undermine his political standing,” he said.

Drawing attention to political messaging, Gogoi claimed that BJP hoardings across Assam rarely feature Sonowal’s image.

“In our party’s hoardings, we display all our leaders. But in the BJP’s publicity materials whether in Majuli, Dibrugarh, or even Guwahati, one hardly sees Sarbananda Sonowal’s presence. Even in his home turf, there are no visible hoardings highlighting him,” he remarked.

Gogoi went on to question what he described as the Chief Minister’s alleged pattern of sidelining senior leaders.

“Over the years, we have seen Himanta Biswa Sarma politically betraying the late Tarun Gogoi, Hiteswar Saikia, and now Sarbananda Sonowal. The people of Assam are watching closely,” he said.

Gogoi also took a swipe at Sarma’s recent allegations against him, stating that the people of Assam would judge the truth.

“He had said he would create a political revolution through a press conference. But whatever upheaval happened, happened within the BJP, not in our party. Now he is approaching the courts out of fear,” Gogoi remarked.

On alliance discussions ahead of the Assembly elections, Gogoi said talks were ongoing but delayed due to leaders being engaged in campaign programmes.

“Today is the second day of the Samay Paribartan Yatra in Majuli. Because of the yatra and various public engagements, formal alliance meetings could not take place. However, discussions are progressing,” he said.

He claimed that the Congress was ahead of the BJP in terms of seat-sharing preparations. “We have already initiated discussions with allied parties. From what we see, the BJP has not yet finalised its seat-sharing arrangements,” he added.

Responding to speculation about seat allocation, Gogoi remarked, “Our seat will be settled very soon. An alliance with like-minded parties is certain.”

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma dismissed the Congress’ claims regarding alliances and electoral strength.

“Congress played the alliance card during the Lok Sabha elections as well, so we assume their alliance is already in place. Whether it formalises or not is up to them. In today’s political climate, I do not think Congress will win more than 25 to 27 seats,” Sarma said.