Himanta Biswa Sarma Alleges Rahul Gandhi Blocked His 2014 Assam Chief Minister Appointment
In a significant political revelation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi wanted him to become the Chief Minister of Assam in 2014, but her son Rahul Gandhi intervened to block the move. This statement sheds new light on the internal conflicts that plagued the Congress party during a critical period from 2013 to 2015.
Recalling the Congress Crisis and Conflict with Tarun Gogoi
Sarma was referring to the intense political crisis within the Congress party, which was marked by a bitter conflict between him and the then Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Gogoi, who passed away in 2020, served as the Chief Minister of Assam for multiple terms and was a prominent figure in the state's politics. The discord between Sarma and Gogoi reportedly stemmed from differences over party strategy and governance issues, leading to a factional divide that weakened the Congress's position in Assam.
The alleged intervention by Rahul Gandhi is said to have exacerbated the situation, ultimately contributing to Sarma's decision to leave the Congress party. In 2015, Sarma switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that significantly altered the political landscape in Assam and bolstered the BJP's prospects in the northeastern state.
Implications for Assam Politics and National Ramifications
This disclosure not only revisits a tumultuous chapter in Assam's political history but also highlights the ongoing tensions within the Congress party at the national level. Sarma's ascent to the Chief Minister's office in 2021 under the BJP banner underscores the lasting impact of these internal disputes. His claims suggest that personal dynamics and leadership decisions within the Congress may have played a crucial role in shaping the current political scenario in Assam.
The timing of this revelation is particularly noteworthy, as it comes amid ongoing political realignments and preparations for future elections. It raises questions about the Congress party's internal democracy and decision-making processes, which have often been criticized by detractors. Analysts believe that such disclosures could influence public perception and voter sentiment in Assam and beyond.
As the political narrative continues to evolve, Sarma's allegations add a new dimension to the understanding of Congress's decline in Assam and the rise of the BJP. The story serves as a reminder of how internal party conflicts can have far-reaching consequences on regional and national politics.
