Over 10,000 women representing various communities across Assam’s Karbi Anglong district marched in protest against the alleged anti-tribal and anti-development remarks made by Congress leader and Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi. The protest was led by the United Women Forum of Karbi Anglong (UWFKA), which organized the large-scale rally in Diphu on Monday. The demonstration was triggered by Gogoi’s recent unannounced visit on July 5 to an under-construction private residence belonging to Singdon Ronghang, son of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang. During the visit, Gogoi reportedly likened the building to the extravagant “Sheesh Mahal of Diphu,” drawing a controversial comparison with a former Delhi Chief Minister’s residence. He also filmed videos at a nearby solar plant project site.
These remarks have been seen by local tribal groups and political observers as deeply offensive, targeting both the Karbi community and the development initiatives undertaken by the KAAC. The UWFKA, supported by thousands of concerned citizens, responded swiftly with a mass protest to express their anger and rejection of Gogoi’s comments. The protest march began from the field of Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School in Diphu and proceeded through significant town landmarks, including the Diphu Town Committee office and the KAAC Council gate, before circling back to the original rally point. Women carried placards bearing strong slogans such as “Gaurav Gogoi Murdabad,” “Anti-Tribal Leader,” “ISI Agent,” and “Stop Insulting Karbi Anglong.”Adding to the intensity of the demonstration, protesters burned an effigy of Gaurav Gogoi—an act intended to symbolize the community’s outrage and firm resistance to external interference and disrespect.
UWFKA office bearers spoke passionately to the gathering. “Who is Gaurav Gogoi to comment on the kind of house one builds in our land?” questioned one member. “It’s not about luxury—it’s about dignity and our right to develop in peace.” Another speaker pointed out that the region had witnessed great progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and CEM Tuliram Ronghang.Former Member of Autonomous Council (MAC) Seema Ronghangpi directly criticized Gogoi’s political lineage, stating, “When Gaurav Gogoi’s father Tarun Gogoi was Chief Minister, insurgency and lawlessness were at their peak in Assam. Today, because of the BJP government’s commitment, we have peace and prosperity. What right does he have to undermine that?” The protest brought to light not just anger over one statement but broader discontent over what many view as political intrusion and attempts to tarnish the reputation of the KAAC administration. The women’s forum emphasized that Gogoi’s comments were not only disrespectful to the local leadership but also an affront to the identity and aspirations of the Karbi people. In a joint statement, UWFKA leaders said, “We stand firmly behind CEM Tuliram Ronghang. He is a visionary leader who has brought stability, infrastructural development, and inclusive growth to Karbi Anglong. These protests are not about politics—they are about respect for our community.”