Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed the state police to file a case against Bhupen Bora, the former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), due to allegations of indecent behavior in a public setting. This direction came after an incident where Bora reportedly made ‘obscene gestures’ and engaged in ‘inappropriate conduct’ during a public event attended by Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia and Congress leader Mira Borthakur.
Taking a firm stance, Sarma condemned Bora’s actions as “indecent and uncontrolled,” insisting that such behavior is unacceptable in public life. He further directed that similar cases be opened against Borthakur and Saikia due to the seriousness of the allegations.
Sarma remarked that the incident has seriously offended the sentiments of Assamese women and girls. In his comments to the media, he expressed that he was addressing the issue with a heavy heart, emphasizing that the reported gestures were unimaginable and unacceptable from senior political figures.
According to Sarma, Bora had initially started his speech by quoting the renowned Assamese artist Sudhakantha Bhupen Hazarika in front of Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. However, he alleged that the speech quickly devolved into obscene language and gestures, disappointing many attendees.
The Chief Minister mentioned that he had received visuals of the incident from New Delhi, where observers were questioning whether such conduct had become normalized in Assam. He described the footage as shocking and echoed serious concerns regarding the Congress leadership’s mindset.
Sarma indicated that Bora’s alleged gestures might have been provoked by slogans from women bystanders expressing their unwillingness to vote for Congress. Nonetheless, he emphasized that no provocation could justify such behavior, especially from those in crucial political and constitutional roles.
Expressing disbelief at the media’s limited coverage of the event, Sarma noted the absence of prominent airings on television or digital platforms. He found it difficult to reconcile how a Leader of the Opposition, a former APCC president, and a woman Congress leader could be linked to such unacceptable conduct.
“Congress has reached a new low,” Sarma stated, clarifying his lack of personal animosity but questioning the mentality driving the alleged actions. He further critiqued that those with such attitudes still aspire to lead ministries related to women’s welfare or even to hold the Chief Minister’s position in the future.
In light of the severity of the issue, Sarma has requested that the video of the incident be forwarded to the Assam State Women’s Commission, urging it to take the matter seriously as it pertains to the dignity and respect for women.
As of now, the Congress party has not responded officially to the allegations or to the Chief Minister’s orders.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-cm-directs-dgp-to-register-case-against-bhupen-borah-over-alleged-obscene-gesture-in-public-place-1342841-2026-02-07?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-07 23:18:00
