In a spirited exchange during the Assam Assembly’s budget session, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged Raijor Dal leader and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi to conduct himself like a ‘mature individual.’ The remark came as Sarma wrapped up his final address on the session’s last day, responding to Gogoi’s grievances about being overlooked.
Gogoi had expressed frustration earlier, pointing out that despite being present in the house, the CM neither acknowledged him nor addressed his concerns. ‘I was right there in the assembly, yet the Chief Minister didn’t even glance my way or respond to me,’ Gogoi lamented, highlighting what he saw as a personal slight.
Sarma, however, turned the moment into a mix of congratulations and pointed advice. Praising Gogoi’s speech, he encouraged the fiery leader to uphold parliamentary decorum and speak wisely. ‘Act like a sensible person in the assembly,’ Sarma said, blending encouragement with a subtle jab.
The CM extended best wishes for Gogoi’s future electoral battles, expressing confidence in Raijor Dal’s prospects. He drew a clear distinction between leaders forged in grassroots struggles—like Gogoi, who rose through years of protests—and those born into privilege with a ‘silver spoon.’ This comment landed as both a compliment to Gogoi’s hard-earned credentials and a broader political dig.
Reactions poured in from both treasury and opposition benches, underscoring the session’s pattern of heated debates. Sarma concluded by thanking all members for their participation, emphasizing that healthy criticism is vital for a functioning democracy. He hoped for more constructive discussions in future sittings, setting a tone of cautious optimism as the house adjourned.