Intensifying Political Clash in Assam Ahead of 2026 Elections

Currently, Assam's political landscape is marked by escalating confrontations. As the 2026 assembly elections approach, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's assertion that Pakistan should not have any assets in India, along with his direct accusation against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of having ties to Pakistan, is more than mere rhetoric. This statement appears to be a calculated political maneuver aimed at positioning the opposition in a negative light by invoking nationalism. The timing of this attack suggests that Assam's political arena is set to become increasingly aggressive and personal in the coming months.

The question arises: is this assault merely an electoral tactic or an attempt to settle old scores? Observers of Assam's politics recognize that this conflict is not new. Its roots trace back to when Sarma was a prominent minister in the Congress government led by the late Tarun Gogoi. Disputes over leadership, perceived neglect, and high command politics eventually led to his exit from the party. His shift to the BJP in 2015 and the subsequent power transition in 2016 significantly altered Assam's political dynamics, transforming the struggle from ideological to personal.

Sarma has reignited tensions by referencing Gogoi's trip to Pakistan in 2013, which he undertook with his wife. Questions surrounding their visits to Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi have escalated to serious allegations of treason. The Chief Minister claims that inquiries in the Lok Sabha regarding defense, nuclear facilities, and Kashmir could be linked to that trip. He has submitted a report from a special investigation team to the central government and requested an inquiry by central agencies.

Two key points emerge from this situation. First, while national security is a serious issue, its political exploitation can be perilous. Second, if the allegations are substantial, the investigation should be conducted transparently. In response, Gogoi has dismissed the accusations as baseless and absurd, countering by questioning the Chief Minister's family's land holdings and promising to redistribute such land to the poor if he comes to power. This shift in focus from national security to personal assets has altered the narrative.

The level of political discourse has further deteriorated as past incidents have resurfaced. The 2017 incident involving Sarma mocking a photo of Rahul Gandhi feeding a dog has re-emerged. Subsequently, BJP leaders accused Rahul of disrespecting Assam's leaders. Sarma has positioned himself as a proud Assamese and Indian, asserting that he is not one to accept crumbs from others. This statement clearly indicates his intention to distance himself from Delhi's political intrigues and present himself as a guardian of Assam's identity.

On the other hand, Gogoi has not held back in his rebuttal, accusing the Chief Minister's wife of benefiting from government schemes, leading to a defamation lawsuit. Sarma has now alleged that Gogoi's wife is linked to a Pakistan-based organization, raising questions about her foreign citizenship, visa regulations, and alleged financial transactions. Gogoi has labeled these claims as personal vendetta and challenged Sarma to resign if the accusations are proven false.

This entire sequence of events indicates that the 2026 elections will not solely revolve around development, employment, or flood management. Instead, the focus will be on issues of identity, nationalism, and personal credibility. Sarma understands that the national security narrative serves as a potent weapon for the BJP, effectively putting Congress on the defensive. Meanwhile, Gogoi realizes that if he can frame this assault as a political vendetta, he may garner sympathy.

Ultimately, the voters of Assam are closely observing the unfolding drama. On one side is a leader who rebelled against Congress to establish the BJP in Assam, and on the other is a figure striving to preserve his father's legacy and the Congress's foothold. The 2026 elections will determine which narrative resonates more with the electorate: the warning of national security or the allegations of political revenge. One thing is certain: this battle is far from over.