New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma questioned the religious commitment of Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi and independent MLA Akhil Gogoi as he highlighted their participation in Eid festivities while seemingly showing disregard for the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir earlier this year.
CM Sarma questioned why Gaurav Gogoi didn't show the same religious fervour during the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya temple, as he was seen protesting with Rahul Gandhi in Nagaon on that day.
Speaking to the media, Sarma said, "Akhil Gogoi and Gaurav Gogoi offered namaz in Sivsagar, and Gaurav knows how namaz is offered and where he learned it... But my question is, on the day of Ram Mandir inauguration, why didn't they show the same religious fervour? While the consecration was taking place, he was seen protesting with Rahul Gandhi in Nagaon. We, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greet people on the occasion of Eid. Eid, Christmas and Puja are festive occasions and we have nothing to say on who is celebrating it and how. I have no issues with Eid but the respect that he harbours for Eid should be the same for that of Ram Mandir."
Sarma further asserted that the issues faced by the Assamese Muslims cannot be addressed through “appeasement politics” but by providing government jobs, quality education, and speaking out against child marriage.
"Gaurav Gogoi committed a grave sin by not participating in the Ram Temple event but rather siding with Rahul Gandhi in Nagaon for a protest. He is offering Namaz on one hand, while on the other hand, he is seen protesting on the day of Ram Temple inauguration," the chief minister added.
Hitting back at Sarma, Gaurav Gogoi said they visited the Batadrava Than in Nangaon on January 22 as a mark of protest against the former’s “disrespect” towards the principles of Sankardeva.
Speaking to ANI, Gogoi said, "We wanted to visit Batadrava Than (Nangaon) that day (January 22). Himanta Biswa Sarma insulted Batadrava Than. He disrespected the principles of Sankardeva. We protested because we respect Sankardeva."