Guwahati, April 16: Opposition parties in Assam on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following his remarks in a televised interview, questioning his conduct and accusing him of undermining democratic institutions.

In a 3:49-minute viral clip from his interview with ABP News, Sarma commented on issues ranging from allegations against his wife, infiltration and pushback operations at the India-Bangladesh border, to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He also criticised the Guwahati Police Commissioner for allegedly allowing Congress leader Pawan Khera to leave the city despite a case being filed against him.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia described Sarma as an “autocrat intoxicated with arrogance” and condemned his remarks as “undemocratic, irresponsible and shameful.” Saikia accused the Chief Minister of demoralising the police force and making “arbitrary and repressive” statements. He also criticised Sarma’s comments on India-Bangladesh relations, calling them “a mockery of national security and international law.”

Sarma had said Assam conducts pushback operations “taking advantage of darkness” and claimed he “prays that relations between India and Bangladesh never improve.” He further described Rahul Gandhi as “mad” and in need of “treatment,” citing an analysis by an AI tool.

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) also joined the criticism, with party president Lurinjyoti Gogoi calling Sarma’s remarks “imbalanced” and “illogical.” Gogoi alleged the Chief Minister was “frustrated” ahead of the May 4 election results and accused him of misleading the public.