Bhupen Borah, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, launched a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of making deeply offensive and misogynistic remarks. Borah, in his statement, raised pointed questions about Sarma’s role in the state’s political landscape during the Congress-led government. The remarks by Borah come in the wake of a controversial comment made by Sarma, which Borah argued undermines the dignity of Assamese women.
Borah’s criticism of Sarma is not just limited to his recent statements but extends to the broader concerns about the Chief Minister’s leadership during his time in the Congress party. Addressing reporters, Borah said, “Was he Dhritarashtra then?”—a reference to the blind king from the Mahabharata, known for his inability to take responsibility for the actions of his family and kingdom. This rhetorical question implied that Sarma, while in Congress, had failed to effectively address issues of governance and women’s rights.
The Congress leader took a firm stand against Sarma’s political trajectory, calling out his recent remarks as a blatant disregard for women’s dignity. Borah’s comments were aimed at drawing attention to what he believes is a disturbing trend of remarks from political figures that perpetuate sexism and violence against women. He emphasized that Sarma’s behavior not only reflected poorly on his leadership but also cast a shadow over the entire political establishment he now represents.
Borah highlighted Sarma’s shift from the Congress to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and questioned his motives for doing so. The Congress leader contended that Sarma’s recent comments about women and the historical context of his political actions demonstrate his lack of accountability, especially when it comes to issues of women’s safety and well-being. He further pointed out that Sarma’s statements went against the values of respect and empowerment that should define the state’s leadership.
Sarma, who was once part of the Congress before joining the BJP, has long been a polarizing figure in Assam politics. His departure from Congress and subsequent rise to power in the BJP has sparked intense debate. Critics, like Borah, argue that his comments and actions during his tenure as Congress leader were not in line with the ethical leadership required to address key social issues, including women’s rights. Borah’s remarks added fuel to an ongoing political tussle between the Congress and the BJP, with both sides accusing each other of failing the people of Assam.
Borah also pointed out that while Sarma’s comment may have been intended to downplay the seriousness of his remarks, it had caused widespread concern among the public, especially women in the state. He stressed the need for leaders to set examples of respect and dignity, particularly when it comes to addressing issues like misogyny and gender-based violence.
As the political temperature rises in Assam, the Congress leader’s comments have placed Sarma in a difficult position. While Sarma has defended his remarks as a matter of political discourse, opposition leaders, including Borah, continue to hold him accountable for the broader impact of his words on the state’s social fabric.
In his defense, Sarma’s supporters claim that the Chief Minister’s comments were misinterpreted and blown out of proportion by his critics. They argue that Sarma has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has implemented various measures to improve their safety and empowerment during his tenure. However, Borah and other Congress leaders remain unconvinced, maintaining that Sarma’s words reflect an alarming disregard for the dignity of women.
The ongoing back-and-forth between Borah and Sarma is likely to intensify as the state heads into a crucial phase of political campaigning. With both the Congress and BJP focusing heavily on key issues like women’s rights and governance, the war of words between their leaders has captured the public’s attention. How Sarma responds to Borah’s accusations will shape the discourse in the coming months as Assam gears up for important political developments.
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