The political landscape in Assam witnessed an intensification of hostilities as Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi delivered a sharp rebuttal to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claims linking his wife to a controversial funding issue. Gogoi’s bold response, stating, “If my wife is an ISI agent, I am a RAW agent,” has grabbed headlines and further fueled the political sparring in the northeastern state.
The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of the Assam CM, had received a government subsidy under a central scheme meant to support agricultural enterprises. Gogoi, a senior Congress leader and Deputy Leader of the Lok Sabha, raised questions about this financial assistance, prompting Sarma to vehemently deny any wrongdoing.
However, the dispute took a personal turn when Sarma hinted at questioning Gogoi’s wife’s involvement in certain matters, indirectly implying impropriety. Responding to this, Gogoi invoked the incendiary comparison involving the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI and India’s external intelligence agency RAW to underscore his frustration with what he termed as baseless allegations.
“Himanta Biswa Sarma has chosen to drag families into political discourse, which is unfortunate. If he believes my wife is an ISI agent, then I am a RAW agent. These accusations are absurd, and they reflect the depths to which the BJP has stooped to deflect attention from corruption allegations,” Gogoi stated during a press conference.
The exchange has brought national attention to the political tensions brewing in Assam. Sarma, known for his combative style and close association with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) leadership, dismissed Gogoi’s remarks as political theatrics. He reiterated that neither he nor his wife had availed any undue benefits and accused the Congress of attempting to malign his family.
This war of words has drawn sharp reactions from various political quarters. The Congress has backed Gogoi, asserting that the BJP is resorting to diversionary tactics instead of addressing questions on governance and transparency. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, supported Gogoi, emphasizing that leaders must be accountable for their family’s business dealings when in public office.
On the other hand, BJP leaders rallied behind Sarma, accusing the Congress of engaging in smear campaigns and spreading misinformation. Assam BJP spokespersons highlighted Sarma’s record in governance and his popularity in the state, suggesting that the Congress is struggling to remain relevant in the region.
Political analysts view this episode as symptomatic of the increasingly personal nature of political rivalries in India. The blurring of lines between political criticism and personal attacks has become a common strategy, particularly with elections looming in several states. The Gogoi-Sarma spat is likely to set the tone for a charged political atmosphere in Assam, where both leaders command significant influence.
Beyond the rhetoric, the core issue remains the alleged misuse of government funds and the need for transparency in governance. Gogoi has called for an independent probe into the subsidy claims, stressing that public funds must be allocated without bias or favoritism. Sarma, while dismissing the allegations, has expressed readiness to face any inquiry.
The incident underscores the evolving political dynamics in Assam. Gaurav Gogoi, son of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, represents the Congress’s attempt to reclaim its foothold in a state where the BJP has made significant inroads under Sarma’s leadership. As the political battle intensifies, the focus on issues of corruption, governance, and ethical conduct in public life is expected to remain in the spotlight.
While the political drama continues to unfold, the people of Assam are left hoping that beyond the verbal duels, their elected representatives prioritize development and accountability. Whether this controversy will shift public opinion or merely serve as another flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle remains to be seen. For now, the verbal volleys between Gogoi and Sarma have ensured that Assam’s political scene remains as heated as ever.
