NEW DELHI: In recent months, Assam has witnessed an unprecedented political drama centered around Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.
The attack on him, led by the Assam government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has sparked a serious debate on the nature of democracy, political rivalry, and the lengths to which some will go to undermine the voices of opposition leaders.
Far from being an isolated incident, this attempt to tarnish Gogoiโs image is part of a systematic effort by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to silence a rising star of Assam politics.
The recent allegations leveled against Gaurav Gogoi, particularly concerning his wife Elizabeth Gogoiโs alleged links to Pakistanโs Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, have been politically motivated.
The truth is that this is yet another attempt by the BJP and the Assam CM to divert attention from the actual issues that matter to the people of Assam, such as the tragic Umrangshu coal mine disaster that claimed the lives of nine innocent workers.
BJPโs Effort to Stifle a Rising Leader
The root of this political vendetta against Gogoi can be traced back to his growing influence both in Assam and on the national stage.
Ever since Gogoi raised the issue of accountability in the Manipur crisis in Parliament, asked for accountability of the BJP government in Assam, his position has become a major thorn in the side of the BJP and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The BJPโs desperation to suppress his political rise is evident from the use of state machinery against him in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In his constituency of Jorhat, the entire state apparatus was mobilized to prevent Gogoiโs victory, with the BJPโs top leadership leading the charge. Despite this concerted effort, Gogoi triumphed, defeating the incumbent MP, Tapan Gogoi, in a landslide.
This victory was not just a personal achievement for Gaurav Gogoi, but also a resounding defeat for the BJPโs divisive tactics.
It became clear that the rise of Gogoi, with his articulate and sober leadership style, had struck a chord with the people of Assam.
His popularity, particularly among the youth, has made him a force to be reckoned with. In response, the BJP has resorted to desperate measures, attempting to paint him as a sympathizer of anti-national forces.
This baseless propaganda is nothing more than an orchestrated effort to diminish Gogoiโs growing influence and disrupt the Congress partyโs resurgence in the region.
Congressโs Resurgence Under Gogoiโs Leadership
What the BJP fears most is the resurgence of the Congress in Assam, and Gaurav Gogoi is at the heart of it.
His leadership, coupled with the strategic guidance of APCC President Bhupen Borah, has revived the Congressโs fortunes in the state.
Senior leaders like Rockybul Hussain (MP from Dhubri), Debabrata Saikia (Leader of Opposition), and Pradyut Bordoloi (MP from Nagaon) have rallied behind a common agenda to counter the BJP, reinvigorating the grassroots workers and making Congress a formidable challenger to the saffron party.
The Congress is now viewed by many as a genuine alternative to the ruling party, and this has caused significant anxiety in BJP circles ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The BJPโs coordinated effort to attack Gogoi is not just about undermining an individual; itโs about stifling the democratic process itself. In a healthy democracy, leaders should be judged by their actions and public service, not by political attacks or baseless allegations.
However, the BJPโs desperation to maintain its grip on power in Assam has led them to target one of the most articulate and effective leaders of the opposition.
Gaurav Gogoi: A Beacon of Hope for Assamโs Future
Despite the relentless attacks, Gaurav Gogoi remains undeterred. His measured response to the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated, has only strengthened his resolve.
Gogoiโs credibility, grounded in his dedication to the people of Assam and his commitment to holding the government accountable, continues to grow. His approach, characterized by maturity, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the issues that affect his state, has made him a beloved figure among the people.
With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, the BJP knows that Gogoiโs growing popularity poses a significant threat to their hold on Assam. His leadership is galvanizing the Congress party and energizing the electorate.
As Assamโs youth rally behind his vision of a progressive, inclusive state, the BJP finds itself increasingly on the defensive, unable to halt the tide of change that Gaurav Gogoi represents.
As the political battle intensifies, the people of Assam will continue to rally behind Gaurav Gogoi, a leader who is not only challenging the status quo but is also poised to lead Assam into a new era of hope and progress.
The BJP and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma may try to undermine his image, but they cannot erase the truth of his leadership and the love and support he commands from the people.
By Abdul Aziz Ahmed, Spokesperson Assam PCC
