Chaygaon, Assam, July 16, 2025: In a fiery address, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Speaking at a party event in Chaygaon, Gandhi accused Sarma of behaving like a ‘raja’ and claimed the people of Assam will soon send him to jail for corruption.
“He Thinks He’s Raja, But Will Be in Jail Soon”
Addressing Congress workers, Gandhi said, “Assam CM thinks he is ‘raja’, but he will be in jail not long before.”
The Congress leader clarified that his party would not put Sarma behind bars, but that the people of Assam would ensure accountability. “Congress won’t put him in jail, people will,” he added, to loud applause from supporters.
The comments came during a strategic visit by top Congress leaders, including Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge. They held back-to-back meetings near the Guwahati airport and later in Chaygaon, about 40 kilometers away, to discuss the party’s roadmap in Assam ahead of the upcoming elections.
This visit is seen as a signal of the Congress’ intention to intensify its campaign in the Northeast, especially in BJP-ruled states like Assam.
Sarma Responds: “Rahul Is Himself Out on Bail”
In a swift response, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond. He called Gandhi’s claims repetitive and ironic. “Rahul Gandhi conveniently forgets that he himself is out on bail in multiple criminal cases,” Sarma wrote.
Referring to a closed-door meeting, Sarma said, “Take it in writing, Himanta Biswa Sarma will definitely be sent to jail — these were his words during the Congress Political Affairs Committee meeting.”
The chief minister sarcastically added, “My best wishes to you, Rahul ji. Enjoy the hospitality of Assam for the rest of the day.”
Background: Rising Political Tensions
This is not the first time Gandhi has targeted Sarma. Political tensions between the Congress and BJP in Assam have been escalating over alleged corruption, governance issues, and regional identity politics.
Rahul’s remarks come in the backdrop of multiple corruption allegations against state-level BJP leaders, although no official conviction has yet been made.
Legal Troubles on Both Sides
Interestingly, both leaders have faced legal scrutiny in recent years.
- Rahul Gandhi was granted bail in 2022 in a high-profile defamation case in Lucknow.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma, meanwhile, has been accused by opposition leaders of alleged irregularities during the COVID-19 procurement phase, though he denies all charges.
This war of words is reflective of a deeper political battle in Assam, where local issues, identity politics, and national narratives often intersect.
Congress Tries to Regain Lost Ground
Once a stronghold for the Congress, Assam has seen a shift toward the BJP in the last decade. The state is critical in shaping the political fate of the Northeast.
Gandhi’s aggressive tone suggests that the Congress intends to take a combative stance ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections. The party is banking on growing anti-incumbency and public dissatisfaction over unemployment, price rise, and governance issues.
People’s Verdict Will Matter
Rahul Gandhi’s core message was not just about Sarma. It was a broader appeal to the people of Assam to “hold the corrupt accountable” and “stand up for democracy.”
“The fear you see on your CM’s face is real,” Gandhi said. “Because fearless Congress workers are rising again.”
What Lies Ahead?
With both parties gearing up for electoral battle, verbal attacks like these may intensify. Gandhi’s Assam visit marks a strategic push by Congress to revive its cadre in the Northeast. Meanwhile, Sarma’s retorts signal that the BJP will not take these comments lightly.
In a region marked by political fluidity, every word counts—and this war of words could shape public perception in the months to come.