Mira Borthakur Lauds MLA Alam for Owning Up; Slams Silence of Other Leaders

The Assam Congress has expressed appreciation for party MLA Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam’s public apology to senior journalist Rajdeep Bailung Baruah, while also taking a veiled dig at other political leaders who choose to remain silent in the face of similar controversies.

In a strong statement, Assam Mahila Congress President Mira Borthakur said Alam's apology reflects both personal integrity and the party’s commitment to accountability. Taking to social media, Borthakur said, “Our MLA apologised after witnessing the distressing scenes of eviction and deaths in his constituency. He reacted emotionally and said something he later regretted. But he dared to reflect, take responsibility, and publicly apologise to the journalist."

Borthakur, however, pointedly criticised the silence of leaders from other parties. “It’s disappointing that, in similar circumstances, many leaders remain mute. Shouldn’t they too apologise when they cross the line? Accountability shouldn’t be selective,” she added.

Reaffirming the Congress party’s internal discipline, she said, “Congress is a national party with a culture of owning up to mistakes. When we sought a response, we followed protocol and did what was right. Offering an apology does not diminish a leader’s dignity; in fact, it shows moral strength.”

She also thanked MLA Alam for setting an example and said, “You did the right thing. Apologising isn’t weakness; it’s a mark of respect for democracy and the people we serve."

Along with the statement, Mira Borthakur also shared a video clip dating back to the day after Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah publicly dismissed a journalist of Pratidin Time, claiming he does not speak to “low-grade” reporters. In a pointed rebuke aimed at Baruah, the Assam Mahila Congress President condemned the BJP’s growing hostility towards the media, accusing the ruling party of systematically undermining the fourth pillar of democracy. Criticising the minister’s remarks, Borthakur said such language reflects a disturbing arrogance and a blatant disregard for the vital role played by grassroots journalists.

"The media is the fourth pillar of democracy, but some continues to undermine it. They often belittle journalists by saying they won’t speak to so-called ‘low-grade’ reporters. For us, every correspondent on the ground matters; we respect their work and never dismiss anyone by saying we’ll only speak to their owner or editor. We urge them not to misuse the media in this manner. This is not how democracy works," she said.

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