ssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, January 12, launched a sharp attack on the Congress while invoking the state’s historical legacy during a government programme in Tezpur.
Speaking after distributing cheques under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Scheme to 23,291 women beneficiaries from the Tezpur constituency, Sarma said the idea of “Greater Assam” is rooted in the contributions of Chaolung Sukaphaa and Srimanta Sankardev, and should not be viewed through regional or divisive lenses.
“Greater Assam was shaped by Chaolung Sukaphaa, and any discussion on Assam must acknowledge Sankardev. It cannot be turned into a Dhubri-versus-Sivasagar debate,” the Chief Minister said, responding to remarks earlier made by former Congress leader Rezaul Karim Sarkar.
Targeting the Congress, Sarma questioned what he described as the party’s excessive sympathy towards the ‘Miya’ community, referring specifically to leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia. He said he failed to understand the political rationale behind such positions and added that he would not accept lessons on Assam’s identity from individuals he alleged were of Bangladeshi origin.
On political alliances, Sarma downplayed speculation around seat-sharing arrangements, stating that alliance decisions are internal matters of political parties. However, he alleged irregularities within the Congress, claiming money was being taken in exchange for tickets and used for personal purposes.
“I am not concerned about how many seats Congress gives to which party. What concerns me are reports of money being taken in the name of tickets and being spent on personal matters like marriages,” he said.
Reaffirming the ruling coalition’s unity, Sarma stated that the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) function as a single entity and assured that development work would not be affected by the political affiliation of candidates.
Responding to questions on the alleged Pakistan link involving Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, the Chief Minister said, “You have seen the trailer; now you will see the film,” hinting at further disclosures.
Sarma also addressed queries on Tezpur’s development, highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure, welfare initiatives, and inclusive growth.
The event, held at Tezpur Garhdoul ground, was attended by Tezpur MP Ranjit Dutta and MLAs from Tezpur, Borsola, Rangapara, and Naduar, who accompanied the Chief Minister during the programme.
