Gaurav Gogoi Critiques Assam CM in Jorhat Campaign
Gaurav Gogoi's Campaign in Jorhat
APCC Chief and Congress Jorhat candidate, Gaurav Gogoi during campaigning in the constituency. (Photo: Gaurav Gogoi/Meta)
Jorhat, Apr 7: On Tuesday, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi launched a fierce critique of Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claiming that for Sarma, politics revolves around financial gain, whereas the Opposition views it as a platform to serve the citizens of Assam.
During his campaign in the 100 No. Jorhat Assembly constituency, Gogoi emphasized that the people of Assam have recognized this distinction and are ready to foster a 'new Assam' characterized by freedom of expression, peace, and a government that prioritizes the welfare of the underprivileged.
He stated, “The citizens of Assam will establish a new Assam where freedom of speech, peace, and communal harmony prevail, alongside a government dedicated to the marginalized.”
In response to the Chief Minister's allegations regarding property matters and supposed connections to a Pakistan-linked account, Gogoi challenged Sarma to take an oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
He expressed his willingness to do the same at a predetermined location in Jorhat, suggesting, “Let the Chief Minister set a time tomorrow and notify us. He should take an oath on the Bhagavad Gita at his location, while we will do so at a designated spot in Jorhat.”
Earlier, Sarma, in a live social media address, indicated his readiness to accept Gogoi's challenge to swear on the Bhagavad Gita regarding his financial disclosures, including any foreign assets or accounts linked to his family.
He proposed that both leaders meet at Batadrava Than at 9 am on Wednesday for a public oath-taking ceremony.
Gogoi also accused the Chief Minister of having an aversion to journalists and criticized a candidate from central Guwahati, though he did not provide further details.
Questioning the law and order situation, Gogoi asked why the Assam Police did not intervene during alleged attacks on party candidates such as Sunil Chhetri, Bidisha Neog, and Mira Borthakur.
“The police only act when our spokesperson holds a press conference. This is nothing short of authoritarianism,” he remarked, adding that the public is yearning for relief from such governance.
Gogoi conducted an extensive campaign throughout the constituency, engaging with numerous voters.
Meanwhile, BJP candidate and former Assembly Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami campaigned alongside Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and state BJP secretary Siddhanku Ankur Baruah.
The 100 No. Jorhat constituency is shaping up to be a significant contest, with Gogoi, the deputy leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, facing off against Goswami, a former minister and Speaker.