Congress MP and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on February 12 accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of trying to silence the Opposition by resorting to legal action rather than facing political criticism directly. Gogoi’s remarks came in response to reported legal steps taken against him, which he said reflected a lack of faith in democratic debate and public accountability.
Questioning the Chief Minister’s willingness to engage politically, Gogoi asked: “Is he not a politician? Does he not trust the people’s court?” He argued that political differences should be resolved in the arena of public opinion rather than in courtrooms.
Gogoi alleged that the ruling dispensation was using litigation to curb dissent, saying such tactics might stop “two or three individuals” but cannot hide facts from the wider electorate. “The people of Assam know everything,” he said, insisting that public awareness and judgment matter more than legal manoeuvres.
Issuing a direct challenge to Sarma, Gogoi said he preferred a street-level political battle over legal confrontation. “If he has the courage as a politician, he should fight us politically and from the front. I want to fight on the streets, not in the courtroom,” he said, stressing his belief in open democratic engagement.
Addressing recent allegations against him, including insinuations of foreign links, Gogoi said he had chosen not to pursue retaliatory legal action. “We too can file cases and make counter-allegations, but I don’t want to go down that path. I believe in the conscience of the people,” he added.
Labeling the Chief Minister “afraid” and “intimidated by Opposition voices,” Gogoi maintained that truth and public sentiment were on his side, concluding that “the people of Assam know what is true.” The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the Opposition and the state government over the use of legal remedies in political disputes.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/if-you-have-the-guts-as-a-politician-then-fight-from-the-front-gaurav-gogoi-dares-assam-cm-1345408-2026-02-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-12 22:41:00
