Guwahati, March 12: Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 11 launched a sharp attack on Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that the Congress leader has repeatedly opposed several major infrastructure projects in Assam.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at Swaraj Udyan, the chief minister claimed that Gogoi had objected to the proposed elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park, the planned flyover in Jorhat and the proposed underwater tunnel project between Gohpur and Numaligarh.
Sarma alleged that Gogoi does not want development in Assam or India. “When the elevated corridor in Kaziranga was approved, Gaurav Gogoi opposed it. The same he did with regards to the flyover in Jorhat and the underwater tunnel between Gohpur and Numaligarh,” the chief minister said.
He further claimed that since members of Gogoi’s family live in the United Kingdom, the Congress leader would advocate development there rather than in India. Sarma also made a controversial remark suggesting that Gogoi would instead push for development in England or Pakistan.
The chief minister also criticised sections of the media, saying journalists should question Gogoi about his stance on infrastructure projects in Upper Assam. According to Sarma, the Congress leader had opposed development initiatives across the region.
Referring to the upcoming elections, Sarma said several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party have expressed interest in contesting against Gogoi. He added that three BJP workers have been recommended as potential candidates and that the party’s parliamentary board is expected to meet soon.
Sarma also said the BJP is likely to announce its list of candidates for all Assembly seats, including Jorhat, by March 17.
On the Teok seat, the chief minister said the party would need to take into account its alliance commitments with the Asom Gana Parishad. He noted that certain constituencies may be allocated to alliance partners in the larger interest of the National Democratic Alliance, though the specific seats to be shared have not yet been finalised.
