Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Monday strongly criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for bringing his minor children into a political controversy, calling such actions unacceptable.
At a press conference, Gogoi said mentioning his five-year-old and nine-year-old children had gone too far, stressing that political disputes should remain between leaders and never involve children.
He added that while he was willing to face criticism aimed at him personally, he would not remain silent if his children, Congress workers, or ordinary citizens were targeted, and promised to pursue the matter fully if such attacks continued.
Gogoi warned the Chief Minister against escalating personal matters further, saying, “He went so low as to disclose information about my children. We know about his children, but we do not publicize it. This behavior is unfit for someone holding the Chief Minister’s office. Such false claims have shamed Assam, and the Supreme Court should take suo-motu notice.”
He added, “Do not force me into a position where I have to respond.”
Speaking about his family, Gogoi highlighted that his wife is independent and takes full responsibility for their children’s upbringing. Drawing from his own experience, he said he was largely raised by his mother and added, “Just as I was brought up, my wife is raising our children. Once they turn 18, they will make their own decisions.”
Gogoi emphasized that the press conference was not intended for political drama but to defend the dignity of Assam’s citizens and the media. He said dragging children into political attacks had embarrassed the state and was unbecoming of a Chief Minister.
“I am holding this press conference not to counter the Chief Minister, but to respect the media and the people of Assam. My work in politics is to raise the state’s issues and let the people decide,” he added.