A controversy erupted in Assam after a man with multiple theft charges received Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s special Rongali Bihu honor. The recipient, who had been named in police records for theft, was among those who received the prestigious ‘gamosa,’ a traditional Assamese scarf gifted to eminent personalities. The revelation has raised questions about the selection process for the honor, with critics accusing the administration of negligence.
Authorities initially remained tight-lipped about the situation, but as public criticism mounted, officials clarified that the list of recipients was prepared at the local level. They insisted that the oversight was unintentional and that corrective measures would be taken to prevent such mistakes in the future. The opposition, however, did not hold back, calling the incident an embarrassment and demanding accountability from those responsible for vetting the honorees.
The theft-accused man’s inclusion in the list shocked many, especially since the honor is traditionally reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Many social media users mocked the situation, questioning whether criminal records were now a qualification for government recognition. Others raised concerns about the vetting process, arguing that such an oversight could undermine the credibility of the entire honor system.
Local police sources confirmed that the recipient had multiple cases filed against him over the years but had not been convicted. They stated that his name had surfaced in theft investigations, but he had managed to evade serious legal consequences. The revelation has sparked debate over whether the government should impose stricter background checks before recognizing individuals with public honors.
Supporters of the government played down the controversy, arguing that mistakes happen in bureaucratic processes and that the focus should remain on the larger goal of celebrating Assamese culture during Rongali Bihu. Some also defended the recipient, suggesting that he may have turned over a new leaf and that people should not rush to judge his past. However, the opposition remained firm in its criticism, stating that such mistakes weaken public trust in the government.
The incident has also reignited a larger debate about the politicization of cultural honors. Many believe that the selection of honorees has increasingly become a political exercise rather than a genuine recognition of contributions. Critics allege that political connections often play a role in determining recipients, making it possible for individuals with questionable backgrounds to be included.
As the controversy escalated, officials promised to review the selection process and ensure better scrutiny in future Bihu honors. Some experts suggested that the government should establish a more transparent mechanism for choosing honorees, possibly involving an independent panel. This, they argued, would help restore faith in the process and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
For many in Assam, Bihu is a time of celebration, unity, and pride in their cultural heritage. The gamosa, a symbol of Assamese identity, is usually gifted as a mark of respect. The fact that it was handed to a man with a criminal background has left a bitter taste for many. It has also given the opposition fresh ammunition to question the government’s efficiency and credibility.
The chief minister himself has not yet commented on the matter, but his office has reportedly instructed local officials to exercise more caution in future selections. Whether this controversy fades away as a mere administrative error or leads to significant changes in the way public honors are distributed remains to be seen. For now, the incident has added an unexpected twist to Assam’s Bihu celebrations, reminding everyone that in politics, even festive gestures can become sources of controversy.
