Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday came out in strong defence of his cabinet colleague, Keshab Mahanta of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), after Mahanta's daughter, Dibisa, joined a protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The Chief Minister underscored the principle that adult children might hold divergent political opinions from their parents, and their actions should not be unjustly linked to their guardians.
Social media platforms widely circulated videos showing Dibisa Mahanta actively participating in a demonstration held in Guwahati's Chachal area on July 23. During the protest, she reportedly voiced strong concerns against the widespread issue of paper leaks, stating, “Paper leaks are a national issue. I feel for the students who lost their lives, and I stand for justice for them.” Reports also suggest she chanted slogans critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called for the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Addressing the matter, CM Sarma acknowledged his disagreement with some of the slogans reportedly chanted by Dibisa. “I do not agree with the slogans she chanted. I will talk to her when I meet her,” the Chief Minister stated. However, he firmly rejected any notion of targeting her father, Minister Mahanta, over his daughter's involvement. Sarma drew parallels to his own family, noting that his son and daughter often hold differing views from him on various subjects.
“My son will practise law tomorrow and defend somebody I may not like. We must not link the actions of children with their parents when they are adults,” Sarma elaborated, emphasizing the autonomy of adult individuals. The Chief Minister's remarks highlight a nuanced understanding of family dynamics in public life, particularly when sensitive national issues like the NEET-UG controversy spark widespread student discontent.
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