Himanta Biswa Sarma is the biggest enemy of minorities: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi

Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on October 23 slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for playing divisive politics and causing tension in the state on religious lines. Gogoi accused the chief minister of being the biggest enemy of the minorities.

Attending the 14th Annual Central Martyrs' Day and the 9th Biennial Session of the Kokrajhar District All Bodo Minority Students' Union (ABMSU), Akhil Gogoi who was the chief guest for the event, said while speaking to the media. "Assessing the land issue in the BTAD area and coming to a common solution to the issue, is a responsibility of each and every citizen of the state. As we all are aware of the BTAD accord signed on February 10, 2003 which mentioned about the land rights of each and every person residing here and where the Central leaders, state government representatives as well as the representatives of BTAD had signed the treaty, hence we demand the BTAD government and Assam Government to provide land rights as per the accord signed to each and every citizen residing here".

Gogoi highlighted the ongoing struggles of people in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), particularly their deprivation of land rights. He linked the issue to broader systemic injustices, calling for immediate action to secure the land rights of marginalized communities in the region. He also referenced the unresolved murder case of Lafiqul Islam, describing it as a political conspiracy that has yet to see justice. The slain ABMSU leader's case continues to stir concerns, with Gogoi accusing authorities of failing to ensure accountability.

Gogoi expressed dismay at the recent resignation of Bhupen Borah from the presidency of the Opposition Unity Forum and the Assam United Forum, calling the move "extremely unfortunate." He urged leaders and political groups to resolve any misunderstandings that could undermine efforts to build a united front. With the by-elections approaching, he advocated for strategic cooperation, suggesting that the Congress Party should field candidates in four constituencies while the Assam United Forum, excluding Congress, should contest in the Behali constituency. According to Gogoi, only a strong opposition candidate could pose a significant challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prevent its dominance.

The firebrand leader did not mince words when it came to the ruling BJP. He accused the party of misrule and insisted that unity was essential to defeat it in the 2026 elections. Gogoi emphasized that a concerted effort by all opposition forces was crucial to ending the alleged "oppressive governance" of the BJP. He also voiced support for a united contest in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, arguing that a coalition approach would be more effective.

Addressing the legal battles he faces, Gogoi noted that he had been acquitted in two cases involving allegations of sedition and Maoist connections, while two new cases had been filed against him. He claimed that these cases were politically motivated, orchestrated with the direct involvement of the Home Minister and the Chief Minister. He vowed to challenge these charges in the High Court, accusing the government of trying to silence dissent through unjust legal actions.

In his address, Gogoi launched a scathing attack on the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), asserting that the people would "sweep them away in the Brahmaputra" in the 2026 elections. He specifically targeted Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that the minority community would not find peace under his leadership. Gogoi called for a political uprising to unseat Sarma, even suggesting that he should be metaphorically "swept away to Bangladesh via the Brahmaputra." He concluded his speech by labeling Sarma as a "major enemy" of minority groups, reinforcing the need for a united opposition to counter his policies..