BJP chief Dilip Saikia demands ban on Akhil Gogoi’s political career
Guwahati, April 28: A day after Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi and MLA Sibamoni Bora were attacked during a campaign in Dumdumia, Nagaon district, the Assam BJP on Monday condemned the incident — but alleged it could be the result of internal Congress turmoil rather than external violence.
Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia, in a sharp statement, dismissed attempts to link Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to the controversy. Saikia argued that no other Congress leader engaged in panchayat campaigning had been attacked, suggesting that the incident might stem from internal disputes like “pay money, get ticket” practices within Congress.
He added that disgruntled Congress workers denied party tickets, could be behind the violence and hinted at a possible “pre-planned conspiracy” by Congress to malign the BJP ahead of elections.
“The Chief Minister has already ordered an impartial investigation,” Saikia said, stressing that the BJP neither endorses nor supports violence against political opponents.
In the same statement, Saikia turned his fire on Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, demanding that he be barred from contesting future elections.
Saikia criticized Gogoi’s recent communal remarks — urging Muslims not to vote for BJP — as “extremist, divisive, and a betrayal of Assam’s inclusive identity.”
He called Gogoi’s comments a “grave insult” to the proud legacy of Sivasagar, historically a centre of Assamese resistance against Mughal invasions.
“The people of Assam, especially self-respecting Assamese, have reacted disgustedly,” Saikia said.
Under Saikia’s direction, a BJP delegation led by state vice-president Ashok Bhattarai submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission on Sunday, demanding strict action against Gogoi for violating electoral norms and threatening communal harmony.
