Guwahati: A political confrontation arose on Tuesday as Rahul Gandhi criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for reportedly using derogatory language against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The controversy stems from Sarma’s reported comments while responding to allegations raised by Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera, against him and his family.
Sarma reportedly questioned Kharge’s remarks by saying the senior leader was “speaking like a madman” (“pagal”) and asked, “Who is Kharge?” amid an exchange over unverified claims involving passports and related issues.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, responded on social media in the evening. He described Sarma’s language as “entirely condemnable, shameful and unacceptable.”
“Kharge ji is a senior and popular Dalit and mass leader of the country, his experience, stature and reputation are unparalleled. Insulting him is not just an insult to one individual, but also to the crores of people from the SC-ST community in this country,” Gandhi stated.
Gandhi further alleged that such attacks reflect a “long-standing and well-planned mindset” of the BJP-RSS, citing past instances of alleged insults to Dalit icons like Babasaheb Ambedkar and other SC-ST representatives.
He directly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Do you support Himanta Sarma’s language? Your silence is not helplessness, but consent.”
Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal, called for an unconditional apology from Sarma, describing the remarks as an attack on Dalit dignity. They said it reflects a broader pattern when opposition voices raise critical questions.
Sarma’s office and the BJP have not issued a detailed response in available reports, although the Chief Minister has previously defended his sharp rebuttals as necessary against what he considers baseless personal allegations.
The episode has increased political attention ahead of Assam elections on Thursday, highlighting divisions between the ruling BJP and the Congress.
Critics say it lowers the level of public discourse, while Sarma’s supporters view it as a response to unverified claims.