"knows the correct posture for offering namaz..." Himanta Biswa criticises Gaurav Gogoi

Sarma emphasised the need to address the concerns of all communities in Assam

Digital Desk: Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has taken a swipe at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, highlighting his absence from the Ram Mandir visit while offering namaz on Eid. Sarma criticised Gogoi for not attending the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram Temple and instead protesting with Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing the media on Friday, Sarma mentioned that Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress contender for the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, "knows the correct posture for offering namaz... I don't know where he has learnt it from."

"On the day of Pran Pratishta, Gaurav Gogoi was breaking the law and protesting in the streets of Nagaon with Rahul Gandhi," he said, as quoted by IndiaToday. During a press conference, Sarma questioned Gogoi's dedication, stating that while he offered greetings for Eid, Gogoi failed to show similar respect for the Ram Temple ceremony. Sarma remarked on Gogoi's participation in a protest with Rahul Gandhi in Nagaon, accusing him of prioritising political demonstrations over religious ceremonies.

Sarma emphasised the need to address the concerns of all communities in Assam, advocating for progress through education and employment rather than indulging in appeasement politics. He criticised Gogoi for what he deemed a disregard for religious sentiments and accused him of engaging in divisive tactics.

In reaction to Sarma's remarks, Gaurav Gogoi informed the ANI news agency that they intended to visit the Batadrava Than, or Bordowa Than, a temple complex that is the birthplace of the legendary Assamese saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardev. Gogoi argued that their protest aimed to uphold the principles of Srimanta Sankardev and criticised Sarma for insulting the temple.

This exchange adds to the ongoing political tension between the Congress and the ruling party in Assam, with Sarma recently criticising the Congress manifesto for alleged appeasement politics. Sarma's remarks reflect a broader debate on religious identity and political participation in the region.