Guwahati: A sharp political exchange erupted ahead of the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 after Himanta Biswa Sarma targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Gaurav Gogoi, referring to them as “Pappu” and “chhota Pappu” during a public address.
Speaking at a gathering in Sribhumi, the Assam Chief Minister dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about taking legal action against him if Congress returns to power in the state. Sarma claimed that even leaders like Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi would have to be reborn to arrest him, asserting that such an event would not happen in this lifetime.
The comments came in response to criticism from Rahul Gandhi, who recently accused Sarma of being the “most corrupt chief minister” in the country. Gandhi alleged that the state government was operating a “land ATM” and claimed that corruption extended to the chief minister’s family as well.
Gandhi further said that if Congress forms the government in Assam, legal action would be taken against Sarma. He also alleged that the chief minister was running the state through syndicates and suggested that his position was protected by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Responding to Sarma’s remarks, the Indian National Congress strongly criticised the chief minister’s statements. Party leader Pawan Khera warned that no individual is above the law and said that those in power would eventually be held accountable.
The exchange has added to the heated political atmosphere in the state as parties intensify their campaigns. Voting for all 126 constituencies in Assam is scheduled to take place in a single phase on April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4.
The election is expected to witness a direct contest between the ruling BJP led alliance and the Congress as both sides step up their attacks while seeking voter support.
