Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Feb 20: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday launched a sharp criticism of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of focusing on personal allegations rather than governance and employment for the state’s youth.

Responding to allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi over alleged links with Pakistan, Priyanka Gandhi said it was inappropriate to drag families and children into political attacks.

“There is no need to attack someone’s family or children by spreading lies. Instead of doing this, the Chief Minister should work for the development of Assam. What the youth of Assam need today are jobs and employment opportunities,” she said.

With Assembly elections approaching, she alleged that the chief minister was resorting to fear-mongering tactics. Strongly defending Gogoi, she described him as a “positive individual” committed to value-based politics.

“The accusations levelled by the chief minister are not something the people of Assam will believe,” she asserted.

Priyanka Gandhi also weighed in on the controversy involving popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, urging political parties to keep artistes out of partisan battles. “Zubeen Garg is the soul of Assam. He stands above politics. There should be no politics over him,” she said, calling him a beloved cultural figure.

She reiterated that the Congress would centre its campaign on issues affecting ordinary citizens — unemployment, rising prices and development — and said the party was prepared to take on the ruling BJP through democratic and value-driven politics.