Assam CM ‘Inciting Genocide’ Against Muslims, Says Congress’ Gogoi
FILE PHOTO: A flood-affected Muslim family disembarks a boat at Kachua village in Assam's Nagaon district
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, accusing him of “inciting genocide” against Muslims through provocative social media content. Speaking at a press conference, Gogoi demanded that police take suo motu cognisance of the matter, highlighting a deleted video circulated by the Assam BJP on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversial clip depicted Sarma aiming a rifle and firing at two figures—one wearing a skull cap and the other sporting a beard—with the caption “point-blank shot.” Gogoi condemned the video as a direct assault on the Muslim community. “The Assam chief minister is inciting genocide against Muslims through his videos. The police must take suo motu cognisance of Sarma targeting a particular community and circulating such vicious content on social media,” Gogoi stated emphatically.
This outburst escalates an ongoing feud between Gogoi and Sarma, who has repeatedly accused Gogoi and his family of ties to Pakistan. Gogoi vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as baseless and politically driven. He revealed that he was contemplating legal action after Sarma allegedly implicated his minor children in the controversy. “The accusations against me are baseless and politically motivated,” Gogoi asserted, defending his family’s integrity.
On the Pakistan allegations, Gogoi clarified that his wife had traveled to Pakistan in 2013 for professional reasons, and he accompanied her on a 10-day visit in December that year. He pointed to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, claiming it lacked evidence to support Sarma’s assertions. “The Special Investigation Team never questioned me about my 2013 visit to Pakistan. The Assam Chief Minister sat on the SIT report for six months because it has nothing to substantiate his allegations about my so-called Pakistan links,” Gogoi explained, challenging Sarma’s credibility.
The exchange underscores deepening political rifts in Assam. The Congress party has accused Sarma of communal provocation and abusing his authority to stoke divisions. In response, the BJP continues to target Gogoi over purported foreign connections, intensifying the blame game. Gogoi’s press conference drew attention to how social media is being weaponized in regional politics, potentially exacerbating communal tensions.
Observers note that such rhetoric could polarize voters ahead of elections, with both sides leveraging allegations to rally support. Gogoi urged authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent escalation. “This is not just about politics; it’s about protecting communities from hate speech that could lead to real harm,” he warned.
Sarma’s office has yet to respond directly to Gogoi’s accusations, but past statements from the CM have framed the Congress leader as a security risk. The deleted video, which went viral before removal, sparked outrage among opposition supporters, who see it as emblematic of the ruling party’s divisive tactics.
As Assam grapples with ethnic and religious sensitivities, this incident highlights the fragility of communal harmony. Experts caution that unchecked inflammatory content online can fuel unrest, echoing broader national concerns over hate speech. Gogoi’s call for police action reflects a push for accountability, but critics argue it could further politicize law enforcement.
In the broader context, the spat mirrors national trends where leaders use social media to amplify controversies. With elections looming, both parties are likely to escalate rhetoric, potentially at the cost of public discourse. Gogoi concluded by appealing for unity: “Assam deserves leaders who build bridges, not those who burn them.”
