Gaurav Gogoi's Swipe At Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: ‘My Father Served As Chief Minister For 15 Years, Yet…’

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Gaurav Gogoi faces the formidable challenge of contesting against the BJP in Jorhat, a constituency that has solidified as a stronghold for the ruling party over the past decade.

Congress candidate Gaurav Gogoi dances with supporters during an election campaign in Majuli

Source : PTI

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi exuded confidence in securing victory for the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat. During the campaign, he was welcomed by scores of supporters who showered flowers, played dhols, and hugged him. Gogoi took a jibe at the BJP MP, Topon Kumar Gogoi, saying, he (Topon) will definitely lose if the number of selfies clicked with him (Gaurav Gogoi) by the people converts into votes.

In a veiled reference to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family, Gaurav Gogoi stated, "My father served as chief minister for 15 years, yet neither I nor my family own any factories or tea gardens." He said that neither he nor his mother possesses any such establishments, subtly drawing a contrast with certain political counterparts.

Gogoi, the Congress MP of Kaliabor who is fighting this time from Jorhat, spent two days in Majuli, the largest river island globally, nestled in the Brahmaputra. He engaged with the electorate through a series of 12 street corner meetings across the district.

Majuli was earlier part of the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency, but it was added to Jorhat in the delimitation exercise carried out last year by the Election Commission. People of Jorhat, a constituency once held by Gaurav's father Tarun Gogoi, the charismatic late CM, shifted allegiance to BJP in 2014, reported news agency PTI.

Gaurav Gogoi faces the formidable challenge of contesting against the BJP in Jorhat, a constituency that has solidified as a stronghold for the ruling party over the past decade. With a diverse population including Ahom, Thengal-Kachari, Mising, and tea tribes, Gogoi is hoping to built a strong emotional connection with voters, particularly the youth.

However, the task ahead is daunting, given the significant gap of over 82,000 votes, the margin by which the Congress lost the seat in 2019. Despite the uphill battle, the 41-year-old Gogoi remains undeterred. Spending the night in a traditional 'chang ghar,' he kicked off his campaign early the next day with a meeting with his diverse campaign team. 

His initial stop at Kalitapar village in Pokajara mandal of Majuli saw a warm reception, with local artists welcoming him with traditional 'Bihu Dhol'. The beats prompted Gogoi to join in, dancing alongside his supporters, setting an energetic tone for his campaign ahead.

Gaurav Gogoi was greeted with an outpouring of affection during his campaign, with people showering him with flower petals and hugs, and even elders showing their appreciation by kissing the young politician.

Gaurav Gogoi's Campaign For Lok Sabha Election 2024

Many adorned him with the traditional 'gamocha' scarf, while the youth clamored for selfies with him. Supporters echoed chants like "Gauravor joy, raijor joy" (Gaurav's victory is people's victory) and "Jikiboi jikiboi, Gaurav jikiboi" (Gaurav is winning for sure), expressing their confidence in his candidacy.

Addressing the crowd, Gogoi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. People showered flower petals and hugged him. "I am overwhelmed with the love you have showered on me. The number of photos and selfies you have clicked with me, if we convert those into votes, BJP will lose by a huge margin", Gogoi said to rousing applause and laughter.

Criticising the BJP, he accused them of making grand promises before elections without fulfilling them afterward. Gogoi highlighted various issues such as the closure of government schools and colleges, rising medicine prices, high inflation of essential commodities, and worsening conditions for farmers. as per PTI report.

Furthermore, he emphasised the challenges facing Majuli, a constituency once represented by former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, alleging that the government has done little to address these issues. 

Continuing his campaign, Gogoi visited Natun Chapori Mising, Cherepai Khowa, and Dhapak villages, where he engaged in similar meetings to connect with the local communities. Taking a break for lunch, he dined at a party worker's house, enjoying a meal consisting of rice, dal, sabji, papad, and salad.

Gogoi proceeded to Chumoimari village to kick off the final phase of his campaign in Majuli. His last stop was a street meeting at Bongaon Chariali. "Majuli is facing enormous erosion, but the BJP government is doing nothing. The way you are getting me now, I will be there with you after winning also. I will always stand by you in your bad days", he said.

Gaurav Gogoi, accompanied by a small team of party workers, concluded his campaign in Majuli around 4 pm, departing via a pre-booked single-engine ferry from Aphalamukh ghat en route to Jorhat town. Upon arrival in Jorhat, Gogoi engaged in a series of closed-door meetings with various like-minded political and social groups, which extended until around 8:30 pm.

The last programme of the day of the deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha was a dinner meeting with local journalists. After dinner, the members of his team left for their homes to meet again the next morning for another day of the campaign, PTI reported.

Jorhat, along with four other seats in Upper Assam, is scheduled to vote in the first phase on April 19. As the election date draws near, Gogoi and his team continue to strategise and engage with constituents, aiming to secure support for the upcoming polls.