Gaurav Gogoi Challenges Himanta Biswa Sarma to Open Debate on Hinduism Ahead Elections

Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that those who switched sides from Congress have become politically “insignificant.” Speaking at a press conference, Gogoi specifically mentioned former state Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, who is set to join the BJP on February 22. He said Borah’s move will not strengthen the BJP but instead highlight the party’s reliance on old Congress leaders, many of whom he accused of corruption during Congress’s 15-year rule in Assam.

Challenge to Himanta Biswa Sarma Over Hinduism

Gogoi also challenged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to a face-to-face debate on Hinduism, asserting that the debate would reveal who truly understands the ethos of the religion. He called Sarma “Assam’s Jinnah” and accused him of misusing religion for political gains, specifically questioning Sarma’s authority to give “Hindu certificates” to politicians. Referring to the alleged cow syndicate in Assam, Gogoi questioned Sarma’s commitment to Hindu values, suggesting that those who encourage such syndicates cannot be considered true adherents of the religion.

Congress Strength Amid Resignations

In response to Borah’s impending switch, Gogoi downplayed the impact on the Congress, describing the party as an “ocean” in which every leader is merely a drop. He stated that the Congress has existed long before the current generation of politicians and that Borah’s departure will not affect the party’s prospects in the upcoming assembly elections. Gogoi framed the contest as a battle between the “real Congress” and the BJP, which he said is primarily composed of former Congress leaders attempting to protect their political relevance.

Allegations and Political Drama

Gogoi also criticized the Chief Minister for previously accusing Borah of indecent gestures toward women, pointing out that police had registered cases and interrogated senior Congress leaders along with Borah. He questioned how Borah could now be promoted as a “big Hindu leader” despite these allegations. According to Gogoi, the BJP’s strategy of bringing in former Congress leaders and labeling them as key Hindu representatives reflects the party’s political opportunism rather than any genuine ideological alignment. He concluded by asserting that the Congress remains united and focused on the people of Assam, while the BJP relies on political theatrics to maintain its image ahead of the elections.