Politics – Assam Leaders Trade Charges Over Controversial Video
Politics – Tensions escalated in Assam’s political arena on Monday after state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of circulating divisive content on social media. The row centers on a video clip that was briefly shared by the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before being removed.
Allegations Over Deleted Social Media Post
Addressing reporters in Guwahati, Gogoi alleged that the deleted video showed the chief minister appearing to aim and fire a rifle at two individuals, one depicted wearing a skull cap and the other with a beard. The clip was reportedly posted on the social media platform X with a caption that read “point-blank shot.”
Gogoi claimed the imagery in the video targeted a specific religious community and described the content as inflammatory. He urged law enforcement authorities to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and initiate an inquiry without waiting for a formal complaint.
According to Gogoi, such material has the potential to deepen communal divisions in a sensitive social climate. He said that political leaders must exercise caution in their public messaging, especially when it involves imagery that could be interpreted as hostile toward any group.
Call for Police Action
The Congress leader maintained that the issue was serious enough to warrant immediate police attention. He argued that the circulation of such visuals by a ruling party’s official handle raises questions about accountability and responsibility in public communication.
Gogoi stated that if ordinary citizens can face scrutiny over online posts, elected representatives should be held to the same standard. He reiterated his demand for an independent assessment of the video and the circumstances surrounding its publication and deletion.
As of Monday evening, there was no official statement from the chief minister’s office responding directly to the allegations.
Ongoing Political Rivalry
The dispute comes against the backdrop of an ongoing exchange of accusations between Gogoi and Sarma. In recent weeks, the chief minister has publicly alleged that Gogoi and members of his family have had links with Pakistan.
Gogoi firmly rejected those claims during the press conference. He clarified that his wife had traveled to Pakistan in 2013 for professional reasons and that he accompanied her during a 10-day visit in December of that year. He emphasized that the visit was lawful and declared to authorities as required.
The Congress leader further stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted to look into related matters, had not questioned him about the trip. He alleged that the chief minister had delayed acting on the SIT’s findings because, according to him, the report did not substantiate claims of any improper links.
Legal Options Under Consideration
Gogoi also expressed concern over references to his family during the political exchanges. He said that dragging his minor children into the controversy was unacceptable and that he was considering legal remedies to address what he described as unwarranted remarks.
The intensifying rhetoric between the two leaders reflects the broader political contest in Assam, where both the Congress and the BJP are seeking to consolidate support ahead of future electoral battles. Political observers note that public disputes between senior leaders can influence voter perception, particularly when issues of communal harmony and national security are invoked.
While the controversy continues to unfold, calls for restraint and responsible discourse have grown louder from civil society groups and political commentators. They argue that maintaining public trust requires leaders to prioritize measured communication over confrontational narratives.
The coming days may determine whether the matter leads to formal legal proceedings or remains part of the ongoing political sparring in the state.