Akhil Gogoi, chief of the Raijor Dal and an MLA, on Saturday intensified his attack on Himanta Biswa Sarma, using the term “Suma Mama” while claiming that the BJP-led government is set to lose power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing a large election rally in the Goalpara East constituency in Assam, Gogoi asserted that the ruling government is on its way out and predicted the formation of a new government led by Gaurav Gogoi as Chief Minister. He said opposition leaders, including Lurinjyoti Gogoi and himself, would extend full support to such a dispensation.
Responding to the Chief Minister’s claim that he frequently speaks to him at night, Akhil Gogoi dismissed the assertion and questioned why such conversations would be made public.
“The Assam Chief Minister said that I spoke to him at night. If that were the case, why would he disclose it publicly? Such conversations, if they happen, are meant to remain private. How can internal discussions be shared with the media?” he said.
He further alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma is under pressure ahead of the elections. “The Chief Minister appears tense and unable to rest. It seems he realises that the government may change,” Gogoi said.
Escalating his remarks, he added that a potential shift in power could have serious consequences for the Chief Minister, claiming that this pressure is reflected in what he described as “confused” public statements.
“The Chief Minister had said that people who eat beef should not be given votes. Then the question arises—does Karim Uddin Barbhuiya consume beef or not? The same Chief Minister is now asking people to vote for him. Are these standards being applied selectively?” Gogoi said. He said, adding, “I know that Karim Uddin Barbhuiya puts his foot where CM Sarma’s hand is.
“The Chief Minister said people should not vote for ‘Suma Baba’. But when I visited a poor family whose house had been demolished, I kissed a woman who was of my mother’s age on the forehead. Is it wrong for a son to show affection to someone like his mother? Does a mother not show love to her child?” he said.
He further levelled personal allegations against the Chief Minister, claiming that Himanta Biswa Sarma has displayed similar gestures of affection in public.
“I have seen the Chief Minister showing affection to young women in public. If such actions are criticised in my case, then the same standard should apply to him as well. That is why I referred to him as ‘Suma Mama,’ Akhil Gogoi said.
