Guwahati, July 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has responded strongly to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments about putting him behind bars, saying there are many jails in India “waiting for the Gandhis”. Sarma questioned Rahul Gandhi’s authority, pointing out that as an MP, Gandhi can’t arrest a Chief Minister.

The tension between the two leaders escalated after Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Congress party will sweep the next assembly polls in Assam and criticized Sarma for being corrupt. Gandhi also stated that Sarma thinks he’s a “king” but will be held accountable for his actions and eventually land in jail.

Sarma’s remarks come amid a controversy over a clash in the Paikan Reserve Forest area of Goalpara, where police opened fire, resulting in one death and 21 injured police personnel. Sarma accused Rahul Gandhi and Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge of encouraging encroachers and land jihadists, and announced that the police will review their speeches for potential action.

The Assam CM also alleged that Rahul Gandhi and the Assam PCC President are “foreign elements,” with Gandhi having ties to George Soros. The verbal spat between the two leaders highlights the growing tension between the BJP and Congress in Assam ahead of the assembly polls.