Guwahati, March 22: Debabrata Saikia has denied allegations that he asked party workers to “burn down the Congress office”, clarifying that his statement was misinterpreted after a purported audio clip triggered controversy in Assam.
Responding to the viral recording, the Leader of Opposition said he had instead remarked “burn me or my effigy”, and maintained that he had not encouraged any act of vandalism or damage to party property.
Saikia said the comments were made during discussions with multiple aspirants seeking party tickets. Emphasising internal democracy within the Indian National Congress, he stated that individuals are free to express their views, while the final decision rests with the party’s leadership and its screening and election committees.
The controversy is centred around Dhubri, where discontent has grown following the denial of a ticket to aspirant Kazi Mahmudul Hasan and the selection of Baby Begum as the party’s candidate. The unverified audio clip, widely circulated, allegedly features Hasan questioning the decision and raising concerns over the selection process.
Saikia said tensions escalated during interactions with aspirants, whom he accused of creating “unnecessary chaos”. He reiterated that his remarks were directed at criticism against him personally and not at the party office.
The episode has further exposed internal unease within the Congress unit in Dhubri, where dissatisfaction had already surfaced ahead of the Assembly elections.
