Himanta Sarma criticises allegations against Akhil Gogoi
Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, March 29, criticized Akhil Gogoi for his allegations against BJP’s Sivasagar candidate Kushal Dowari. He questioned the basis of Gogoi’s claims and accused him of repeatedly labeling political opponents as criminals.
Speaking to the media in Diphu, Sarma said that Akhil Gogoi has a pattern of accusing anyone contesting against him of serious crimes, including multiple murders. He questioned why Gogoi did not take action if he knew about such alleged crimes in advance.
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of Pranab Boro’s death, questioning Gogoi’s role and response, and alleging that the matter had not been raised in the Assam Assembly in the past five years. Sarma asked why Gogoi had not spoken publicly on the issue or clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sarma said, “As far as I know, Akhil Gogoi is responsible for the death of Pranab Boro. Everyone knows that Boro was forced to set himself on fire during a KMSS-led protest in the heart of Guwahati. He had been preparing for such a drastic step since last night.”
The Chief Minister criticized Gogoi for not raising the issue of Boro’s death in the Assam Assembly in the past five years and questioned his silence on the matter.
Sarma also defended BJP candidate Kushal Dowari, saying that this is not his first time contesting elections and has already been elected MLA from Deo twice. He argued that criticizing Dowari is like questioning the voters’ decision.
Sarma said, “Kushal Dowari is not a first-time candidate. The people of Deo have elected him MLA twice. If Akhil Gogoi now calls him incompetent or criticizes him, does that mean the people of Deo made the wrong choice?” In his remarks, Sarma also accused Gogoi of influencing youth during previous protests in Assam. He said such movements encourage destructive activities such as burning tires and damaging railway infrastructure.
Continuing his criticism, Sarma said that Gogoi often blames others while avoiding scrutiny of his own actions. He questioned whether such an approach would resonate with the state’s voters.
The Chief Minister also said that Gogoi rejects criticism from any quarters. He said that if anyone questions him, he will answer even well-known people.
