Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Feb 9: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of breaching all norms of political decency by allegedly dragging Gogoi’s minor children into a political dispute.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Gogoi said political rivalries must remain confined to leaders and issues, stressing that children should never be used as targets in public or political debates.
Expressing deep anguish, the Congress leader objected to references made to his five-year-old and nine-year-old children, calling such remarks completely unacceptable. “I am ready to face any attack on myself, but I will not tolerate my children, Congress workers, or common citizens being targeted,” Gogoi said, adding that he would take the matter “to the very end” if such behaviour continued.
He also warned the Chief Minister against escalating personal matters further, accusing him of lowering the standard of political discourse in the state. Gogoi alleged that CM Sarma had even disclosed details related to his children, an act he said had crossed every ethical line.
“We too know about his family. Everyone does. But we have never stooped to this level,” Gogoi remarked, adding that such statements had caused embarrassment to Assam as a whole.
Questioning the authenticity of the claims being circulated, Gogoi alleged that misinformation was being deliberately spread for political gain. He described the issue as grave and suggested that it warranted suo motu cognisance by the Supreme Court.
“Do not push me into a situation where I am forced to respond,” he warned, issuing a stern message to the Chief Minister.
Speaking about his personal life, Gogoi said his wife is an independent individual who is fully capable of raising their children. Drawing a personal comparison, he said he himself was largely brought up by his mother and that his children were being raised in a similar environment.
“When they become adults at 18, they will take their own decisions,” he said.
Gogoi clarified that the press conference was not intended for political drama but to defend the dignity of the media and the people of Assam. He asserted that involving children in political attacks had “brought shame to the state” and was unbecoming of someone holding the constitutional office of chief minister.
“I am in public life to speak for the people of Assam. Let the people be the judges,” he concluded.