Guwahati, February 10, 2026: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday filed both civil and criminal defamation cases seeking Rs 500 crore in damages against Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupesh Baghel and Jitendra Singh Alwar, escalating the political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the opposition. The suits, Sarma said, respond to allegations made at a recent Congress press conference that he described as “false, malicious and defamatory.”
In a post on X, Sarma said the proceedings were launched to hold the Congress leaders accountable and to counter what he called coordinated public attacks. “The era of hit-and-run politics is over. If they have even an ounce of courage or evidence, let them prove every allegation before a court of law,” he wrote, reiterating that he would not be deterred by political pressure or vilification.
The filing follows public warnings from the Chief Minister that he would pursue legal remedies; the current action signals his intent to press both civil and criminal charges. Sarma also accused the Congress leadership of political theatrics and alleged the attack had been carried out at the behest of the Gandhi family, urging the opposition to concentrate on governance instead of personal attacks.
The legal move came after a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan where Congress MP and deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi, with former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel present, launched a digital platform called WhoIsHBS.com. Gogoi said the portal was designed to scrutinise Sarma’s political career and governance record and claimed it contained documents, videos and other material relating to the chief minister’s public life.
Gogoi described the initiative as an effort to put “facts” before the people of Assam and to promote accountability. He also said the party had produced a pamphlet with similar material for distribution across the state. Baghel echoed the call for transparency and accountability, noting their importance as Assam heads towards crucial political milestones.
The dispute underscores rising tensions between the two parties and frames the upcoming political period in Assam as one likely to feature legal battles alongside political campaigning. IANS
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/02/10/assam-cm-sarma-files-defamation-case-against-gaurav-gogoi-bhupesh-baghel/
Category: NATIONAL,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2026-02-10 14:12:00
