In a recent flare-up of political tensions in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi engaged in a sharp social media spat, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. The dispute centered on comments related to Pakistan’s devastating floods in 2022, with both leaders trading accusations and leveraging the issue to question each other’s motives and national loyalty. This exchange, marked by pointed questions and counter-challenges, highlights the deep political divide in Assam and the broader complexities of public discourse in Indian politics.
The controversy began when Sarma, without directly naming Gogoi, posted a series of questions on social media, probing whether a Congress MP had visited Pakistan for an extended period and sought clarification on the purpose of such a trip. He further raised concerns about alleged connections between the MP’s family and a Pakistan-based organization, implying financial ties that could pose a national security risk. Sarma claimed to possess evidence, which he promised to reveal by September 10, 2025, asserting that the Assam government was actively investigating the matter. He emphasized that the issue transcended politics, framing it as a matter of national security, and even suggested that the MP might have been “trapped or blackmailed” in a larger anti-India conspiracy.
Gogoi swiftly responded, dismissing Sarma’s allegations as baseless and absurd. In a series of posts, he questioned the Chief Minister’s mental state, suggesting that the accusations reflected personal vendettas rather than substantive concerns. Gogoi pointed out that he and his family had been targeted by Sarma for over a decade, describing the latest claims as bordering on “insanity.” He challenged Sarma to make public any evidence immediately, rather than delaying until September, and provocatively asked whether the Chief Minister would resign if the allegations proved unfounded. Gogoi also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s own expressions of sympathy for Pakistan’s 2022 flood victims, questioning why similar sentiments from him were being labeled as “anti-national.”
The 2022 floods in Pakistan, which triggered this dispute, were a catastrophic event that displaced millions and caused widespread destruction. Gogoi’s comments expressing solidarity with the victims were not unusual in the context of humanitarian crises, as leaders across borders often extend condolences during such events. However, Sarma seized on these remarks to question Gogoi’s intentions, framing them as evidence of misplaced priorities. In response, Gogoi’s reference to Modi’s similar sentiments was a strategic move to expose what he saw as selective outrage and political opportunism.
This exchange is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of animosity between Sarma and Gogoi. Their rivalry has deep roots, with past disputes involving allegations of corruption, defamation suits, and personal attacks. For instance, Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, previously filed a Rs 10 crore defamation suit against Gogoi over claims of irregularities in a food processing project, which Gogoi had raised in connection to central government subsidies. Similarly, Gogoi has accused Sarma’s administration of mismanagement, particularly in handling Assam’s recurring flood crises, alleging that funds meant for infrastructure like embankments were siphoned off through corrupt practices.
The current spat also draws attention to the sensitive issue of national security allegations in Indian politics. Sarma’s claims about Gogoi’s alleged ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and visits to the Pakistan embassy are serious but remain unsubstantiated in the public domain. Gogoi has categorically denied these accusations, asserting that neither he nor his family has visited Pakistan, and emphasized his wife’s contributions to Indian culture, including her participation in Assamese traditions like Bihu. The involvement of Gogoi’s wife, Elizabeth Colburn, a British citizen, has added fuel to the controversy, with Sarma questioning her alleged links to a Pakistani NGO and her participation in Indian election campaigns, which he claims may violate visa norms.
The public nature of this feud, played out on social media, underscores the role of digital platforms in shaping political narratives. Both leaders have used X to amplify their messages, with Sarma posting cryptic questions and Gogoi responding with sharp rebuttals. This approach allows them to reach their respective voter bases directly but risks escalating personal attacks into broader communal or nationalistic debates. The mention of Pakistan, a country with which India shares a fraught history, adds a layer of complexity, as such references can easily inflame public sentiment.
As the September 10 deadline set by Sarma approaches, the public awaits concrete evidence to substantiate his claims. Gogoi, meanwhile, has called for transparency and urged Sarma to focus on pressing issues like Assam’s education system, child welfare, and infrastructure rather than personal attacks. The ongoing investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), initiated by the Assam government, adds another dimension to the saga, with potential implications for both leaders’ credibility.
This clash reflects deeper tensions in Assam’s political landscape, where personal rivalries often intertwine with policy debates. The state, grappling with challenges like annual floods and economic development, deserves a discourse focused on solutions rather than sensational allegations. As both leaders continue to spar, the people of Assam are left to navigate the fallout of a feud that shows no signs of abating.
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