In a politically charged rally ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi took aim at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, launching a barrage of corruption allegations and dramatic claims of an imminent jail term for the state’s top leader.
However, CM Sarma, known for his political agility and sharp counterattacks, was quick to respond, dismissing Gandhi’s statements as empty theatrics from a party struggling for relevance.
Rahul Gandhi’s Attack: Loud Claims, No Evidence
Speaking in Chhaygaon, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP-led Assam government was operating like a personal fiefdom. Referring to the Chief Minister as the ‘king of Assam,’ Gandhi accused him of enriching select corporates namely Adani and Ambani at the cost of the common people.
“This king is busy 24 hours a day giving your land away, sometimes to Adani, sometimes to Ambani,” he said, addressing a crowd of Congress supporters. “Watch him on TV, there is fear in his voice. The tigers of Congress are coming. He knows he’ll go to jail soon. Not even Modi or Amit Shah can save him.”
The fiery speech, filled with high-voltage rhetoric, echoed Congress’s attempt to regain footing in the Northeast. Gandhi claimed corruption was rampant and that Sarma and his family would be ‘held accountable’ by the people of Assam.
But conspicuously absent from Gandhi’s speech were specifics: no evidence, no investigation reports, no concrete examples, only repeated name-drops of political opponents and industrialists. Critics were quick to point out the lack of factual grounding and the dramatic tone.
BJP Pushes Back: Himanta Sarma Returns Fire
Unfazed by the dramatic allegations, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma responded with characteristic clarity and composure. Taking to social media, Sarma not only shrugged off Gandhi’s attack but turned it into a political advantage.
“Shri Rahul Gandhi visited Assam today solely to criticise me. He mentioned my name repeatedly in all his meetings,” Sarma posted on X, “I must say, I am grateful because today, he has elevated my political stature to a level I might never have reached had I remained in the Congress party.” He added pointedly, “If Rahul Gandhi has chosen to criticise me, it’s a clear sign I must be doing something right for the people of Assam.”
Sarma’s calm yet sharp response stood in stark contrast to Gandhi’s emotionally charged rhetoric. Supporters hailed it as the sign of a leader confident in his record and secure in his position.
Congress Struggles to Regain Relevance
While Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Gaurav Gogoi echoed Gandhi’s attacks accusing the BJP of land grabs and preparing jails for political adversaries, the party failed to present a concrete policy agenda for Assam.
Kharge quipped: ‘The CM should begin renovating the state’s jails, he might have to stay there himself.’ Gaurav Gogoi added: ‘Land now belongs to Mama (Sarma), Mami (his wife), Adani, and Ambani.’
But analysts noted that the Congress’s strategy appears to rest more on personal attacks than governance issues. With the BJP still enjoying a strong organisational base in Assam and Sarma widely seen as an effective administrator, many view the Congress’s renewed aggression as a sign of desperation rather than momentum.
A High-Stakes Battle on the Horizon
As Assam moves closer to the 2026 elections, the gloves are clearly off. Congress is banking on incendiary speeches and legacy politics to stage a comeback, while the BJP continues to project confidence in its leadership and developmental record.
What remains to be seen is whether Rahul Gandhi’s firebrand rhetoric can connect with Assam’s voters or whether Himanta Biswa Sarma’s governance credentials and measured responses will once again cement his political dominance in the Northeast.
