Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the party has lost its identity in Assam and is now effectively being run like a “Congress under Himanta Biswa Sarma with a BJP label.”
Speaking to reporters during his campaign in Majuli in support of Indian National Congress candidate Dr. Indranil Pegu, Gogoi alleged that several leaders whose actions had once damaged the Congress’ image during the tenure of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi are now part of the BJP.
“There is no BJP in Assam now. What exists is a Congress led by Himanta Biswa Sarma carrying a BJP tag. Leaders who once contributed to public discontent against Congress are now gathered at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan,” he said.
Gogoi framed the upcoming Assembly elections as a contest between two versions of Congress—one “tainted” and led by Sarma, and another “new Congress” inspired by the ideals of Tarun Gogoi.
He said voters in Assam will decide whether they want a government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma or one guided by Tarun Gogoi’s principles. He also claimed that leaders who had tarnished the image of the Congress government earlier are now seeking positions within the BJP.
Highlighting the party’s strategy, Gogoi said the Congress is focusing on new faces and fresh leadership. He expressed confidence that growing unity among opposition parties, particularly in Upper and North Assam, would translate into electoral success.
“The first signs of change will be visible in Upper and North Assam, where we expect better results,” he said, adding that a Congress-led government is likely to be formed.
Gogoi also urged party leaders and workers to respect alliance decisions in the larger interest of the state and thanked allied parties for their support.
Expressing confidence in the Majuli seat, he asserted that the Congress is certain to win the constituency. As part of his campaign, Gogoi participated in a bike rally in Majuli, which saw the participation of over a thousand motorcycles.