Guwahati, February 20 – In a fiery rebuttal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sharply criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly diverting attention from critical state issues to personal attacks. Speaking to reporters here, she condemned Sarma’s claims linking Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi to Pakistan, calling them baseless and a desperate ploy ahead of elections.
Priyanka emphasized that instead of spreading falsehoods to target families and children, the Chief Minister should prioritize governance, development, and job creation for Assam’s youth. ‘Assam’s young people need employment opportunities, not fabricated scandals,’ she asserted. She portrayed Gaurav Gogoi as a principled leader committed to value-based politics, urging the public to reject such smears.
Highlighting the pre-election atmosphere, Priyanka accused Sarma of resorting to fear-mongering as polls approach. She dismissed the allegations outright, stating that the people of Assam would not tolerate such tactics. ‘These claims won’t stick; Gaurav stands for positivity and progress,’ she added.
The Congress leader also weighed in on the controversy surrounding popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, appealing to political parties to keep artists out of partisan battles. ‘Zubeen is the soul of Assam, a cultural icon above politics,’ she said, advocating for respect toward the state’s beloved figures.
Reaffirming Congress’s strategy, Priyanka outlined the party’s focus on key voter concerns like unemployment, rising prices, and holistic development. She vowed that the opposition would challenge the ruling BJP democratically, rooted in honor and people-centric policies. As tensions rise in Assam’s political landscape, this exchange underscores the high stakes ahead of the assembly polls.