Assam CM Dismisses Corruption Allegations With a Defiant Hand Gesture, Links Rahul Gandhi’s Speech to Violence in Goalpara.
A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma would be jailed for alleged corruption, the CM hit back with a dismissive “thenga” gesture—a symbolic rebuttal—while addressing the media.
The exchange came after Mr. Gandhi’s visit to Chaygaon, Assam, where he accused the BJP-led government of corruption and land grabbing.
What Exactly Happened?
- During his Assam tour, Rahul Gandhi said, “Himanta Biswa Sarma will be put in jail by the people of Assam.”
- Responding during a late-night press briefing, Mr. Sarma said in Assamese: “I am an Assamese, born in Assam. I didn’t grow up drinking from a bottle, I drank my mother’s milk. I’m showing Rahul Gandhi the ‘burha anguli’ (thumb). Even Congress workers are upset with what he said.”
- He then made the ‘thenga’ gesture, a dismissive symbol implying “nothing will happen.”
Sarma Links Rahul’s Speech to Violence in Goalpara
The CM also connected Rahul Gandhi’s comments to violent clashes that erupted earlier that day during an eviction drive at the Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara district.
What Happened in Paikan?
- Security forces faced resistance from alleged encroachers during a legal eviction drive.
- 21 police and forest personnel were injured after being attacked with stones and sticks.
- Police opened fire to control the situation, resulting in one death and two injuries.
- Goalpara District Commissioner Prodip Timung confirmed the eviction was scheduled and legal.
Mr. Sarma alleged:
“Rahul Gandhi encouraged encroachers by saying they would be rehabilitated and given houses. His statements motivated people to act illegally.”
Sarma Threatens Legal Action Against Congress Leaders
- Mr. Sarma said authorities will review speeches made by Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during their Assam visit.
- If evidence links their comments to the Goalpara violence, legal action may follow.
- “Many jails are waiting for the Gandhis. Today, the Enforcement Directorate has already seized properties linked to Robert Vadra,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against BJP
During his Chaygaon visit, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP government of:
- Dispossessing people of their land in Assam and across India
- Handing over land to a few industrialists
He told party workers:
“Land is being taken away not just in Assam but across the country. It is being handed over to a few industrialists.”
Sarma’s Response to Land Grab Allegations
- Mr. Sarma dismissed Rahul’s accusations as reckless and misleading, saying they incited unrest.
- He maintained that the eviction drives are necessary to:
- Protect forest reserves
- Prevent illegal encroachments
- Preserve Assam’s environment
Eviction Drives & Political Backlash
- Assam’s government has intensified eviction operations in forest reserves and disputed lands.
- The BJP claims it is for environmental protection, but opposition parties accuse the state of:
- Targeting marginalized communities
- Using eviction as a political tool
Key Takeaways
✅ Himanta Sarma responded defiantly with a viral dismissive gesture after Rahul Gandhi’s jail remark.
✅ He accused Gandhi’s speech of fueling violent resistance during an eviction drive in Goalpara.
✅ Assam CM hinted at legal action against Congress leaders if their speeches are linked to unrest.
✅ The clash highlights the political tension over Assam’s eviction drives, which BJP frames as conservation efforts while opposition sees them as politically motivated.
Disclaimer : This report is based on publicly available statements and news reports. Allegations mentioned are political in nature and have not been legally proven.
