gogoi-slams-sarma-over-religion-slur-on-nda-s-loss

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has lashed out at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent controversial remarks attributing the NDA's electoral defeats in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Manipur to interference by leaders of a specific religion.

 

Gogoi labelled Sarma’s statement as “irresponsible and reckless,” criticising the CM’s inability to accept responsibility for the losses.

 

Taking to X, Gogoi expressed his disapproval, stating, "I condemn the irresponsible and reckless statement of the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma. He does not have the maturity to accept the responsibility for the losses of the NDA in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Manipur."

 

Gogoi urged the Chief Ministers of the affected states to publicly denounce Sarma’s remarks, stressing the importance of preserving the Northeast's unique identity.

 

"I appeal to the Chief Ministers of the respective states to publicly condemn the statement. Together we must preserve the unique identity of the Northeast," he added.

 

The controversy erupted following Sarma’s assertion on June 4, made at the BJP’s state office, where he claimed that leaders belonging to a specific religion had interfered in the electoral process, leading to the NDA's defeats in the three northeastern states.

 

Sarma insinuated that these "religious leaders" actively worked against the ruling alliance, affecting the election outcomes.

 

Despite facing backlash, Sarma stood by his comments, reiterating his stance via social media platform X. 

 

He emphasised the necessity of distinguishing political opponents from religious figures.

 

However, Sarma celebrated the BJP-led alliance's success in Assam, where they secured victories in 11 out of 14 seats.