‘Where was he on Zubeen’s birthday?’ CM flags Akhil Gogoi’s ‘selective activism’
Confident of a BJP sweep in 2026 polls, Sarma mocked Gaurav Gogoi, saying he might as well ‘contest from Pakistan’
Himanta Biswa Sarma in Nalbari (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)
Nalbari, Nov 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp critique of state Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi and Sivasagar legislator Akhil Gogoi, questioning their sincerity, political motives and commitment to the causes they publicly champion.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of a cheque-distribution event in Nalbari under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan (MMUA), Sarma faulted Akhil Gogoi for being absent from Assam on cultural icon Zubeen Garg’s 53rd birthday and accused him of activism only when convenient.
“For months, certain groups shouted ‘Justice for Zubeen’. Yesterday was Zubeen’s birthday. Where were they? What did they do? Akhil Gogoi is not even in Assam, he is in Mumbai meeting Sharad Pawar,” the Chief Minister said post distributing cheques to over 33,000 women beneficiaries at the do.
Sarma contrasted that with his own actions, “I travelled all the way from London just to be here in Assam on Zubeen’s birthday. That is the difference between us.”
The Chief Minister then took aim at Gaurav Gogoi and predicted electoral dominance by the BJP.
“In Assam, we will win in a clean sweep. Gaurav Gogoi will have to contest elections in Pakistan,” he said, signalling confidence in his party’s prospects.
On the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death, Sarma reiterated that troubling findings were emerging, “The investigation is showing exactly what we suspected. There was a conspiracy to keep Zubeen intoxicated and dependent. He was forced to drink; he did not take it himself.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Centre granted sanction under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to proceed, and the state’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has indicated a chargesheet will be filed by December 10.
Highlighting the MMUA initiative, Sarma said that by January, the government will cover all 126 constituencies in Assam.
Addressing concerns over Special Revision of electoral rolls ahead of 2026 elections, the Chief Minister said, “If someone from another state comes to work in Assam, they must remove their name from their home state’s electoral roll before being added here. But no one would do that.”