‘He went to Pakistan on ISI invite’: Himanta targets Gaurav Gogoi again, Congress leader likens him to ‘Rs 500 BJP troll’

The political rivalry between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has taken a sharp and controversial turn with recent accusations flying back and forth between the two leaders. Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent BJP leader known for his aggressive style of politics, alleged that Gaurav Gogoi had traveled to Pakistan on an invitation extended by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency. This statement has once again brought the simmering tensions between the two leaders to the forefront of Assam’s political discourse, just months before the crucial assembly elections.

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Allegation: Questioning Loyalty

Himanta Biswa Sarma made the startling claim at a public rally, stating that Gaurav Gogoi’s visit to Pakistan was not just a routine political or diplomatic engagement but was facilitated by the ISI, insinuating a deeper, possibly nefarious connection. Sarma suggested that Gogoi’s trip to Pakistan raised serious questions about his loyalty towards India, hinting that such actions could amount to compromising national interests.

Sarma’s remarks appeared aimed at tarnishing Gogoi’s image, especially in a politically sensitive region like Assam, where cross-border security concerns and the issue of infiltration have been long-standing matters. The Chief Minister’s allegations come at a time when both the BJP and Congress are locked in intense political competition, with both parties vying to consolidate their respective vote banks.

Gaurav Gogoi’s Strong Rebuttal: “Rs 500 BJP Troll”

Gaurav Gogoi, a young and dynamic leader from the Congress party, did not take Himanta Biswa Sarma’s accusations lightly. In a swift and pointed response, Gogoi dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated attempts to defame him. He lashed out at Sarma, branding him a “Rs 500 BJP troll” — a phrase intended to ridicule the Chief Minister’s approach as cheap and paid-for political mudslinging.

Gogoi accused Sarma of resorting to diversionary tactics to deflect attention from the BJP government’s failure to address key issues facing Assam, including unemployment, agricultural distress, and infrastructure deficits. By attacking individual leaders instead of focusing on governance, Gogoi argued, the BJP was undermining the democratic process.

Political Context: Assam’s Charged Election Atmosphere

This bitter exchange between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of aggressive political rhetoric that has come to define Assam’s election landscape. With assembly polls drawing closer, both parties have intensified their campaign strategies, often prioritizing personal attacks and sensational claims over substantive policy debates.

Assam has historically been a politically volatile state with complex social dynamics, including ethnic diversity, concerns over immigration, and border-related security issues. Against this backdrop, allegations related to Pakistan carry significant emotional and political weight, often used to stoke nationalist sentiments among voters.

For BJP, which has been steadily expanding its influence in the Northeast, highlighting security concerns and portraying opponents as anti-national or having dubious foreign ties has been a consistent strategy. On the other hand, Congress leaders like Gaurav Gogoi have attempted to counter this narrative by focusing on development issues and calling out the BJP for what they describe as divisive politics.

Impact on Voter Sentiment

Political analysts observe that such exchanges may energize party loyalists but risk alienating moderate voters who are more concerned about governance and development than personal rivalries. While invoking the ISI and Pakistan can be a potent political tool in Assam’s sensitive security context, experts caution that overuse may desensitize voters or backfire by appearing as fear-mongering.

Moreover, accusations like these can deepen political polarization, making it harder for constructive dialogue to take place on pressing issues such as economic growth, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Voters may become cynical or disillusioned if political debates remain mired in personal attacks rather than focusing on real challenges and solutions.

Voices from Civil Society and Opposition

The controversy has also drawn reactions from civil society members and opposition groups who have urged political leaders to maintain decorum and prioritize public welfare over acrimonious exchanges. Several activists and commentators have expressed concern that such rhetoric could exacerbate social divisions and distract from Assam’s development agenda.

Some observers highlight the need for both BJP and Congress to engage in meaningful discussions on policies that impact the everyday lives of Assam’s people rather than engaging in name-calling and sensational allegations. As Assam grapples with issues such as flood management, unemployment, and ethnic tensions, the electorate’s hope is for leaders to rise above partisan bickering.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Assam Politics

As the electoral battle heats up, the exchange between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi is likely to remain a headline-grabbing story. Both leaders have significant political stature and influence in Assam, and their rivalry is a key dynamic shaping the state’s political narrative.

For BJP, emphasizing national security and portraying opponents as having questionable loyalties aligns with its broader political messaging, particularly in states bordering Bangladesh and other sensitive regions. For Congress, defending its leaders against such allegations and focusing on developmental failures of the BJP government forms the core of its campaign strategy.

The coming months will test how voters in Assam respond to these contrasting narratives. While some may be swayed by the emotional appeals related to national security, others might prioritize tangible governance outcomes and choose candidates based on their track record in improving lives.

Conclusion

The ongoing clash between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi exemplifies the highly charged and often personal nature of politics in Assam today. Allegations of travel to Pakistan on an ISI invite, and the resulting counter-claims, highlight how political discourse is increasingly dominated by accusations rather than constructive debate.

As Assam moves closer to its elections, the challenge for both parties will be to balance aggressive campaigning with responsible leadership. The voters, meanwhile, will need to sift through the rhetoric to decide what matters most for the future of the state — national security concerns or the promise of development and good governance.