The political atmosphere in Assam was charged with humor and sharp retorts on Friday, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jibe at Congress leader Bhupen Borah. This came in response to Borah’s recent comment that he would wait until 2026 to ride in a government vehicle. Sarma’s witty response added fuel to the ongoing political banter, reflecting the deepening rivalry between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.
Borah, while speaking at a public event, had expressed his expectation that in 2026, when elections are expected to take place, Congress would form the government and he would be able to travel in an official government vehicle. The statement was made in the context of the BJP’s current dominance and Sarma’s leadership in Assam, which Borah suggested would be short-lived. Borah’s words were meant to be a light-hearted remark but had deeper undertones of political competition.
In response, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, known for his sharp and often humorous remarks, took to social media and public forums to poke fun at Borah’s statement. Sarma cleverly remarked that Borah might need to “switch gears” in 2026 if he expected a change in power. Sarma’s quick wit caught the attention of both political supporters and critics, adding a layer of humor to the typically tense political environment.
The jibe was not just about the vehicle but also served as a subtle commentary on the current state of Assam’s political scene. Sarma’s reference to “switching gears” hinted at the shift in power dynamics that many believe will continue in the BJP’s favor for the foreseeable future. By making this remark, Sarma not only played into the current political narrative but also positioned himself as someone who is confident in his leadership and the BJP’s dominance.
The playful exchange between the two leaders has captured the attention of the public, with many seeing it as a reflection of the fierce but often lighthearted competition between the BJP and Congress in Assam. The rivalry between the two parties has only intensified in recent years, with both sides accusing each other of corruption, mismanagement, and failing to deliver on promises. Sarma’s comment, while humorous, also underscored the ongoing battle for power in the state.
While Sarma’s statement drew laughter from his supporters, it also sparked criticism from Congress party members. Some Congress leaders accused Sarma of trivializing important political issues and focusing too much on personal jabs rather than governance. They argued that such comments detracted from the real challenges faced by the people of Assam, including unemployment, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The timing of the exchange is significant, as Assam gears up for future elections. With 2026 looming on the horizon, both the BJP and Congress are ramping up their campaigns, making every public statement and event a potential battleground for political points. For Borah, whose leadership of Congress has faced challenges in recent years, Sarma’s comment adds another layer of complexity to the party’s efforts to reclaim power.
Borah, for his part, responded to Sarma’s remarks by maintaining his stance that the Congress party would rise to power in 2026. He reiterated that the BJP’s governance had failed to address the core issues of the Assamese people, and Congress would offer an alternative that prioritized welfare and inclusive development. His defense echoed the party’s larger narrative of criticizing the BJP’s policies and governance style, which many in the opposition view as divisive.
As the political drama continues to unfold, it is clear that the 2026 elections will be a critical juncture for both parties. Sarma’s jibe may have been a lighthearted moment in the ongoing political back-and-forth, but it also served as a reminder of the stakes involved in the upcoming elections. With both the BJP and Congress intensifying their campaigns, it remains to be seen which party will come out on top in the battle for Assam’s future.
As both sides prepare for the intense political contest ahead, the question remains: who will truly take the driver’s seat in Assam in 2026? For now, the political rivalry continues, with humor and sharp commentary becoming integral parts of the narrative.
Refer here for more articles: