Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 12 launched a scathing attack on the Congress, denouncing a recent remark by a party leader about Sivasagar as “deeply insulting and deliberately provocative.” The comment, which suggested that Sivasagar would be turned into “Dhubri,” drew a sharp reaction from the Chief Minister, who questioned both the intent and the legitimacy behind such a statement.
Sarma said it was unacceptable for any individual to make sweeping remarks about Sivasagar’s future under the pretext of a so-called vision of a “greater Assam.” He questioned the authority of the Congress leader who made the statement, asserting that someone whose ancestors migrated from Bangladesh had no moral standing to comment in a manner that demeaned the historical town. According to Sarma, the remark reflected arrogance and a conscious attempt to undermine Sivasagar’s cultural and historical significance.
Emphasising that Sivasagar does not belong to any political party or leader, the Chief Minister warned against irresponsible rhetoric that could hurt public sentiment. He stressed that Sivasagar occupies a unique and revered place in Assam’s history and heritage, and should not be dragged into divisive political discourse.
The Chief Minister also took aim at senior Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Debabrata Saikia, questioning their silence and accusing them of persisting with what he termed “appeasement politics.” Sarma said such politics had repeatedly damaged Assam’s social harmony and described the party’s approach as both puzzling and dangerous.
Strongly criticising the attempt to draw comparisons between Sivasagar and Dhubri, Sarma said such narratives amounted to open provocation and were unacceptable. He reiterated that the state government would not tolerate any effort to foment regional or communal divisions for political advantage, asserting that Assam’s unity and cultural identity would be firmly protected.
