Guwahati, February 19, 2025 – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has responded to recent remarks by Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, asserting his own experience serving under former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. The exchange underscores the ongoing political rivalry between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress in the state.
The controversy began when Pradyut Bordoloi, a Lok Sabha MP from Assam, made comments implying a critique of the current administration’s leadership and its alignment with the legacy of Tarun Gogoi, who served as Chief Minister for 15 years until 2016. In response, Sarma took to social media and public forums to emphasize his own tenure under Gogoi, stating, “I too have served under Tarun Gogoi,” highlighting his long association with the late leader before switching to the BJP in 2015.
Sarma’s remarks came as part of a broader defense against accusations from Congress leaders, who have often accused him of abandoning the party and its values. The Chief Minister used the opportunity to remind the public of his contributions during Gogoi’s administration, where he held significant roles, including as a minister, before their political paths diverged. He suggested that his understanding of Assam’s governance challenges stems from this shared history, contrasting it with the opposition’s narrative.
The exchange has reignited discussions about political loyalty and legacy in Assam, with both sides leveraging Tarun Gogoi’s influential tenure to bolster their positions. Sarma has maintained that his shift to the BJP was driven by a vision for development, while Congress leaders, including Bordoloi, have accused him of prioritizing personal ambition over party principles.
Political analysts note that this verbal duel is part of a larger strategy by both parties as they gear up for future electoral battles, including the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. Sarma’s response also reflects his ongoing efforts to counter opposition criticism by invoking his experience and credibility, while Bordoloi’s comments aim to rally support around the Congress’s historical role in the state.
The public reaction on social media and in political circles has been mixed, with some praising Sarma’s acknowledgment of Gogoi’s legacy, while others see it as a tactical move to diffuse Congress’s attacks. Posts on X indicate a polarized sentiment, with supporters of both leaders defending their stances, though the veracity of these opinions remains inconclusive.
As of now, no further official statements have been released by either side, but the exchange has kept Assam’s political landscape buzzing, with both parties intensifying their campaigns ahead of upcoming elections.
