Guwahati, May 2: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly making derogatory remarks against women during a recent election rally. The FIR was lodged at Dispur police station by members of the Metropolitan District Congress.
District Congress President Gopal Chandra Sharma, who led the initiative, said the Chief Minister’s comments targeted women appointed during the Congress regime and questioned their integrity. Sharma called the remarks regressive and warned that such statements could lead to social unrest.
The Congress demanded legal action under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sought a proper investigation into the remarks. Sharma also noted that Sarma had held senior positions during the Congress-led government and should also be held accountable if any irregularities occurred during that period.
The alleged remarks were reportedly made during a panchayat election rally, where the Chief Minister referred to a statement cited in the Justice (Retd) BK Sharma Commission report. The commission had probed irregularities in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) examinations of 2013 and 2014.
Congress leaders accused the Chief Minister of making sweeping allegations without naming anyone, thereby tarnishing the image of all women appointed at the time. Congress spokesperson Rupa Kalita condemned the comments, stating they insulted the women of Assam.
Other Congress leaders present during the filing included Rupak Das, Heppi Gogoi, Golam Mostaq Osmani, and APCC Media Department Chairperson Bedabrata Bora.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Jitendra Singh Alwar took to social media platform X, saying the women of Assam have played a vital role in the state’s progress. He criticised the remarks and expressed hope that women voters would place their trust in Congress.
The first phase of panchayat elections in Assam will be held on May 2 in 14 districts, followed by the second phase on May 7. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 11.
