Guwahati, Feb 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 1 played down reports of an understanding between the Congress and Raijor Dal, describing it as a short-term political arrangement aimed at containing the impact of an upcoming press conference linked to allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
Addressing the media, Sarma alleged that the Congress leadership in Assam had put together what he termed an “emergency arrangement” rather than a credible or long-term alliance. He claimed the move was designed to prepare the ground ahead of a press meet scheduled for February 8, where, according to him, allegations regarding an alleged Pakistan connection involving Gaurav Gogoi would be raised.
The chief minister further alleged that Gogoi has been actively reaching out to political figures, journalists, and media organisations in an attempt to secure backing before the proposed press conference. Sarma claimed this outreach was intended to ensure that leaders such as Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi would publicly come to Gaurav Gogoi’s defence once the allegations are aired.
Dismissing the reported understanding as superficial, Sarma said a genuine alliance would have been accompanied by a formal seat-sharing announcement. Referring to the Congress–Raijor Dal equation, he remarked that the arrangement was merely symbolic and that its true nature would become evident after February 8. He added that it would then be clear “who will wear the hat,” suggesting that either Gaurav Gogoi or Akhil Gogoi would bear the political consequences.
Sarma also argued that Assam’s electoral landscape has moved through several phases and claimed that such opposition manoeuvres have little influence at the grassroots level. He maintained that voters in the state have already formed clear opinions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The chief minister’s remarks come amid heightened political speculation over a possible Congress–Raijor Dal understanding as Assam heads towards the polls, with Sarma intensifying his criticism of both parties and questioning the intent and credibility of their reported engagement.
