BJP Slams Congress, Says Rahul, Kharge Irrelevant to Assam

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp offensive against the Congress party on Wednesday, denouncing recent remarks by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi, who had described Rahul Gandhi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge as “great leaders.”

Addressing the press in Guwahati, BJP spokesperson Kishore Upadhyay termed Gogoi’s comments “unfortunate,” asserting that neither Rahul Gandhi nor Kharge could be considered leaders of significance for Assam.

“On February 10, 2022, Rahul Gandhi released a list of contributors to the X (formerly Twitter) platform. Assam’s name was missing. How can someone who repeatedly overlooks Assam be seen as a great leader for the state?” Upadhyay questioned. “He may hold relevance for the Congress party, but not for the people of Assam.”

Turning his criticism toward Mallikarjun Kharge, Upadhyay accused the Congress chief of having insulted the legacy of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika — Assam’s most iconic cultural figure. “When the BJP government decided to honour Bhupen Hazarika with the Bharat Ratna, Kharge mockingly questioned whether an ‘ordinary singer’ deserved such a distinction,” Upadhyay alleged. “The people of Assam have not forgotten this slight. Is this the conduct of a so-called great leader?”

Upadhyay further attacked the Congress leadership for allegedly practicing appeasement politics. “Under Kharge, the Congress is more focused on protecting the interests of a specific minority community, while the BJP is working for all sections of Assamese society,” he said.

Citing demographic shifts, Upadhyay claimed that under Congress rule, the number of Bengali-speaking Muslim MLAs in the Assam Assembly rose dramatically — from just one in 2001 to 31 in 2021. “This transformation speaks volumes about the Congress party’s priorities,” he stated.

The BJP leader also accused the Congress of historical injustice against indigenous communities, particularly the Bodos. “During Congress regimes, brutal evictions took place in 2008 and 2012, displacing thousands from tribal areas. The wounds of those actions are still fresh in the collective memory of Assam,” Upadhyay said.

Defending the BJP’s governance record, Upadhyay said, “After five years of firm and inclusive leadership under the BJP, peace now prevails across Assam. Something Congress failed to ensure even after seven decades in power.”

He also criticized the Congress' environmental legacy, citing mismanagement in Kaziranga National Park. “Under Congress rule, poaching and misgovernance led to alarming rhino deaths. That is the legacy they left behind,” he added.

Concluding the press briefing, Upadhyay said that the recent visits of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to Assam have only bolstered the BJP’s prospects. “Every time they come here, they unintentionally help the BJP. The people of Assam can see through their hypocrisy,” he remarked.

ALSO READ: RaGa-Kharge's Close Door Meeting At Kiranshree Grand: What Were Prioritized?