Congress MP from Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, has criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly attempting to create a Hindu-Muslim divide in the state. Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, Gogoi expressed confidence that the people of Assam would reject such divisive tactics in the upcoming 2026 elections.

Intelligent Voters

When questioned about Sarma’s remarks concerning the Uniform Civil Code and the state bill aimed at repealing the Muslim marriage law, Gogoi emphasized the intelligence of Assam’s citizens. “Trust the people of Assam. They are wiser and smarter than Himanta Biswa Sarma,” he stated.

A Culture of Unity

Gogoi asserted that the upcoming polls would serve as a lesson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding their politics of division. He highlighted that the people of Assam are intelligent, cultured, and passionate, and he believes Sarma’s divisive approach contradicts the state’s cultural values.

Intra-party Divisions

Additionally, Gogoi claimed that Sarma’s divisive politics extend even within his own party. “Trust the people of Assam; they see through this politics,” he added, reiterating that the citizens are capable of understanding the true nature of the Chief Minister’s actions.

Recent Legislative Actions

In August, the Himanta Biswa Sarma government passed a bill to repeal a law governing the registration of marriages and divorces among Muslims. While Sarma argued that the goal was to eliminate child marriages and move away from the “qazi” system, critics view this as a significant step toward implementing a Uniform Civil Code.

Furthermore, Sarma recently canceled the two-hour namaz break on Fridays in the Legislative Assembly, citing the need to enhance productivity and eliminate colonial-era practices. He has also made controversial claims regarding the growth of the Muslim population in Assam, stating that it could become Muslim-majority by 2041.

Ongoing Political Tensions

These remarks have intensified attacks from the Congress party against Sarma. Gogoi’s comments underscore the ongoing political tensions in Assam as the state prepares for the 2026 elections, where the focus will likely be on unity and inclusivity over divisive politics.