Guwahati: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of corruption and pursuing divisive politics, as campaigning intensified ahead of the Assembly elections.
Addressing a public rally in Biswanath, Gandhi alleged that Sarma is “the most corrupt Chief Minister in the country” and accused him of fostering hatred. “Assam’s chief minister spreads hatred and says all the wrong things,” he said.
He further warned that legal action would be initiated if the Congress returns to power. “No matter how much he runs today or tomorrow, he will be held accountable. He will have to seek forgiveness from the people of Assam, but there will be no room for forgiveness and legal action will be taken,” Gandhi said.
Invoking Assam’s cultural legacy, Gandhi said the state belonged to figures such as Srimanta Sankardeva, Bhupen Hazarika, Gopinath Bordoloi, Azan Fakir, Tarun Gogoi and Zubeen Garg, describing them as symbols of unity and harmony.
“Zubeen Garg devoted his life to uniting Assam and never spread hatred. That is the culture of Assam. But today, efforts are being made to divide people,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s diversity, Gandhi stressed the need for communal harmony. “People of different communities and languages live here, and the strength of Assam lies in brotherhood and love,” he said.
He also alleged that the state government was working in the interests of a few corporate groups, claiming that land was being taken from local communities and handed over to businesses. In this context, he targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that Assam had been turned into an “ATM” for select interests.
Outlining Congress’ promises, Gandhi said the party would ensure a daily wage of Rs 450 for tea garden workers and grant Scheduled Tribe status to six communities. He also accused the current government of failing to fulfil its earlier commitments.
Gandhi’s remarks come amid an escalating war of words between the Congress and the BJP as the state heads into the final phase of campaigning. This was his second visit to Assam in three days. Earlier, on April 2, addressing a rally in Karbi Anglong, he had promised greater autonomy for indigenous communities, pledging full implementation of Article 244(A) if the Congress returns to power.
“Once Article 244(A) is implemented, no one from Guwahati will rule the people of Karbi Anglong. The power to take decisions will rest with you,” he said.