Guwahati, Jan 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, accusing him of having no real stake or responsibility toward the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of official programmes, Sarma described the Jorhat Lok Sabha MP as a “tourist” in Assam and questioned his vision for what he termed a “greater Assam.” Sarma alleged that Gogoi lacked a connection with the state and raised questions about the citizenship of Gogoi’s wife and children, claiming they were British citizens. He said this undermined Gogoi’s credibility in speaking about Assam’s future.

The chief minister also criticised Gogoi’s claim that the opposition could win 50 seats in Upper Assam, stating that Gogoi would not be able to name constituencies across the region and asserting that the number of seats in Upper Assam was being misrepresented. Sarma further alleged that Gogoi’s political narrative did not reflect the broader composition of the state.

Responding to Gogoi’s earlier remark describing Sarma as a “Hindu Jinnah,” the chief minister dismissed the comparison and rejected allegations linking Gogoi’s wife to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI.

Commenting on the Assembly elections, expected to be held in March–April for 126 seats, Sarma predicted a weak performance by the Congress, stating that the party lacked clear issues and broad-based support. He also downplayed the influence of opposition leaders Debabrata Saikia and Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi.

The exchange marks an escalation in political rhetoric in Assam as parties prepare for the forthcoming Assembly polls.