Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, March 29, launched a strong attack on Akhil Gogoi over his allegations against BJP’s Sivasagar candidate Kushal Dowari, questioning the credibility of the claims and accusing Gogoi of repeatedly branding his political opponents as criminals.
Speaking to the media in Diphu, Sarma said Gogoi has a pattern of accusing rivals contesting against him of serious offences, including multiple murders. He questioned why Gogoi had not taken any action if he had prior knowledge of such alleged crimes.
The Chief Minister also brought up the death of Pranab Boro, questioning Gogoi’s role and response, and alleging that the issue had not been raised in the Assam Legislative Assembly over the past five years. Sarma asked why Gogoi had neither publicly addressed the matter nor clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“As far as I know, Akhil Gogoi is responsible for the death of Pranab Boro. Everyone knows that in the heart of Guwahati, Boro was driven to set himself on fire during a protest led by KMSS. He had been prepared for such an extreme step from the previous night,” Sarma said.
He further criticised Gogoi for not raising the issue in the Assembly over the last five years, questioning his silence on the matter.
Sarma also defended BJP candidate Kushal Dowari, stating that he is not a first-time contestant and had earlier been elected twice as an MLA from Demow. He argued that criticism of Dowari amounts to questioning the mandate of the people.
“Kushal Dowari is not a first-time candidate. The people of Demow elected him twice as MLA. If Akhil Gogoi now calls him unfit or criticises him, does that mean the people of Demow made a wrong choice?” Sarma said.
Continuing his remarks, the Chief Minister accused Gogoi of influencing youth during earlier protest movements in Assam, alleging that such agitations encouraged disruptive actions like burning tyres and damaging railway infrastructure.
He also claimed that Gogoi frequently levels allegations against others while avoiding scrutiny of his own actions, and questioned whether such an approach would appeal to voters.
Sarma further remarked that Gogoi tends to dismiss criticism from any quarter, suggesting that he would counter even widely respected figures if they questioned him.
