Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked a heated debate in the Assam Assembly while responding to a Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s speech. Sarma brought up a 2009 controversy involving his then two-year-old daughter, accusing Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi of dragging her into a political dispute.
The issue, which resurfaced during the Assembly session, relates to allegations made by Akhil Gogoi regarding the purchase of a car in Sarma’s daughter’s name when she was just an infant. CM Sarma expressed deep emotional distress over the incident, saying that it continues to hurt him even after more than a decade.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Emotional Response in the Assembly
During a heated exchange with Akhil Gogoi, Sarma reminded the opposition MLA of his past actions, stating:
“In 2009, you tried to drag my two-year-old daughter into politics by alleging that a car was purchased in her name. Till date, I am hurt by what you did to my child.”
The Chief Minister further revealed how the controversy deeply affected him and his family, saying:
“I spent several nights looking at my daughter after the incident. She was just two or three years old at the time. It was painful for me as a father.”
Despite this painful chapter, Sarma emphasized that he still maintains political dialogue with Akhil Gogoi, indicating that personal grievances do not deter political engagement.
2009 Controversy: Allegations Against Himanta Biswa Sarma
The 2009 controversy erupted when Akhil Gogoi, then a prominent RTI activist, accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of purchasing a car in his minor daughter’s name. The allegation was widely publicized and became a major political flashpoint in Assam at the time.
Though Sarma has denied any wrongdoing, he has repeatedly criticized Gogoi for targeting his family instead of engaging in constructive political debates.
This renewed debate in the Assam Assembly underscores the long-standing political rivalry between the two leaders.
Akhil Gogoi’s Political History and Clashes With Sarma
Akhil Gogoi, the MLA from Sivasagar, has been a long-time critic of Himanta Biswa Sarma. As a former RTI activist and leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), Gogoi has frequently raised allegations of corruption and misconduct against Sarma and his government.
Over the years, the two leaders have clashed on various political and policy issues, making their rivalry one of the most intense in Assam politics.
Political Implications of the Recent Exchange
The exchange between Sarma and Gogoi in the Assam Assembly reflects the deep-rooted political tensions in the state. The 2009 controversy resurfacing at a time when the BJP government in Assam is focusing on development and governance highlights how past political battles continue to influence present-day politics.
- For Sarma, bringing up this issue serves as a reminder of past political attacks and an attempt to highlight personal grievances against his rivals.
- For Gogoi, it shows that his past activism and allegations still hold relevance, as he continues to be a strong opposition voice in the Assembly.
This emotional outburst by Sarma also adds a personal dimension to the political battle, showing how politics can sometimes extend beyond policy debates and into personal lives.
The Lingering Impact of Political Accusations
The recent Assam Assembly session has once again highlighted the bitter history between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Akhil Gogoi. While Sarma continues to express resentment over the 2009 allegations, Gogoi remains a vocal opposition leader, questioning the government on various issues.
As Assam moves towards future elections and political developments, this rivalry is likely to continue, shaping the state’s political discourse in the coming years. For now, the resurfacing of the 2009 controversy serves as a reminder of the intense nature of political battles, where personal and professional lives often intertwine.
