Guwahati: In a pointed political broadside from Guwahati, senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of practising “politics of polarisation,” defended Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi against sustained attacks, and urged all parties to maintain dignity over the death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, saying governance not division should dominate public discourse.
Addressing reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said there are “two types of leaders — one, those with a positive mindset and others who believe in polarisation and attacking people.” She alleged that the manner in which Gaurav Gogoi and his family were being targeted reflected political discomfort within the ruling establishment.
“The way Gaurav ji and his family are being targeted proves that this kind of politics is wrong. I think the people of Assam know that the other side is rattled by him; this is the reason why all this is happening,” she said.
Calling the attacks a sign of political relevance rather than weakness, she added, “It is because he is walking on the right path, he is being attacked… It is like a badge of honour.” She maintained that instead of engaging in personal or political attacks, the Chief Minister should focus on governance and development. “You should tell the CM to talk about the development of Assam and what he has done for the state,” she asserted.
On the reported death of Zubeen Garg, Priyanka Gandhi adopted a somber tone and cautioned against politicisation. “We should never take political advantage of such things. Zubin was the voice of the soul of Assam. Our fight is to protect Assam’s culture and heritage. No one should use Zubeen Garg for political gains,” she said.
Emphasising the singer’s emotional connect with the people, she added, “People were connected to Zubin ji because he gave voice to the sentiments of the people of Assam. I went to pay tributes to him.”
Her remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges in the state, with both the ruling BJP and the Congress sharpening their rhetoric as Assam’s political climate grows increasingly charged.