Political Tensions Rise in Assam as Congress Leaders Meet
Political Turmoil in Guwahati
Guwahati, July 16: A significant political stir erupted as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge convened privately with the Political Affairs Committee of the Assam unit in a local hotel. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded sharply, alleging that the Opposition party was plotting to imprison him.
Sarma took to social media to assert that during the confidential meeting, Rahul Gandhi assured party members that the Chief Minister would be arrested. He quoted Gandhi's words: 'Take it in writing, Himanta Biswa Sarma will definitely be sent to jail.'
In a further retort, Sarma mocked Gandhi's ongoing legal issues, stating, 'He traveled all the way to Assam just to say this, conveniently forgetting that he himself is out on bail in multiple criminal cases across the country. My best wishes to you, Rahul ji. Enjoy the hospitality of Assam for the rest of the day.'
Previously, Sarma has claimed to be aware of the discussions held in Congress's private meetings.
On the other hand, Congress aimed to position itself as a champion of indigenous rights and democratic freedoms. APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, speaking to the media at Guwahati Airport before the arrival of Gandhi and Kharge, stated that the party is preparing for a vigorous campaign.
Gogoi emphasized, 'The Congress will advocate for the people of Assam — for land rights for indigenous communities, safeguarding cultural identities, and protecting the rights of religious and linguistic minorities. Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are here to assure the people - ‘daro mat’ (fear not), the Congress stands with you.'
He accused the Sarma-led BJP government of land appropriation throughout the state, claiming that the Chief Minister and his cabinet possess the largest landholdings in Assam.
Gogoi alleged, 'They have not spared a single district — there are resorts near elephant corridors in Kaziranga, illegal orchards and hotels, and industries established on agricultural land in the names of ministers’ wives.'
He further claimed that approximately 50,000 bighas of land belonging to indigenous and minority groups have been transferred to outsiders.
'There is no land security — whether in Upper Assam, Lower Assam, the Barak Valley, or even the hills of Guwahati,' he added.
The escalating verbal conflict between the BJP and Congress indicates a fierce lead-up to the 2026 elections, with land rights, governance, and political accountability becoming central issues.