Gogamukh (Assam), Jan 19: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labeled Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as "the most corrupt Chief Minister of the country" on Friday, alleging that Sarma possesses the potential to provide guidance on corruption to other BJP Chief Ministers across the nation.
In his address to the public in Gogamukh, Mr. Gandhi, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family and a prominent adversary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserted that Chief Minister Sarma operates under direct orders from the Centre, emphasizing that Assam is directly managed by the BJP-led central government.
"We say that Assam will not be run from Delhi; it will be run from here. Your (Assam) CM is the most corrupt CM in the country. He can teach other BJP Chief Ministers to commit corruption. Don't think he works for Assam. Whatever Modi says, he follows it by giving him a salute," Former Congress President Mr. Gandhi stated here while launching a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as thousands cheered on.
He also directed criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur to assess the ongoing situation. Mr. Gandhi highlighted the civil war in Manipur, expressing concern over violence, hatred, and loss of life in the region. He accused the Prime Minister of divisive policies that have contributed to the division of Manipur.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Gandhi visited Sri Sri Auniati Satra in Assam, taking a boat ride to reach the Satra and expressing satisfaction with the experience. Mr. Gandhi shared his reflections, acknowledging the cultural richness of Assam and its teaching of inclusivity.
Addressing the crowd in Lakhimpur, Mr. Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS advocate for governing the country from Delhi with one language and one leader. Disagreeing with this vision, he proclaimed, "Assam will not be governed from Delhi; it will be governed from Assam."
Mr. Gandhi resumed the second day of his Yatra in Assam, covering Majuli and Lakhimpur districts. He will be proceeding to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday after a night halt at Gogamukh. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Mr. Gandhi, aims to cover 6,713 km in 67 days, passing through 110 districts in 15 states, concluding in Mumbai on March 20.
(Saket Suman is the author of The Psychology of a Patriot. Views expressed are strictly personal.)
