Assam's Political Chessboard: Gogoi Questions BJP's Diminishing Returns Under Himanta Biswa Sarma

In a pointed critique that reverberated through Assam's political corridors, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has cast a critical eye on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) fluctuating fortunes in the crucial Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections. Gogoi's analysis draws a sharp contrast between the party's performance under two different Chief Ministers: Sarbananda Sonowal and the incumbent, Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Gogoi didn't mince words, asserting that the BJP's electoral prowess in the BTC region has significantly waned under the stewardship of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.

He meticulously pointed out that in the 2020 BTC polls, when Sarbananda Sonowal held the reins as Assam's Chief Minister, the BJP secured an impressive 9 seats, emerging as the single largest party in the fiercely contested elections. This performance, Gogoi emphasized, showcased a robust organizational strength and public connect during Sonowal's tenure.

However, the narrative, according to Gogoi, took a noticeable turn in the recent 2024 BTC elections.

Under the current leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP's tally plummeted dramatically, securing only 5 seats. This substantial decline, from 9 to 5, has become a potent weapon in the Opposition's arsenal, with Gogoi attributing it to what he termed "arrogance" and "mismanagement" pervading the party's ranks under Sarma's command.

The Congress leader's comments underscore a deeper political message, suggesting that the BJP's strategies and governance style have alienated a section of the electorate in the Bodoland region.

While Sonowal’s era reportedly saw the BJP make significant inroads and establish a strong foothold, the subsequent period under Sarma appears to have chipped away at that foundation. Gogoi's statements are not merely an observation but a direct challenge to the BJP's leadership, especially with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, where such regional performances can often foreshadow broader electoral trends.

This stark comparison presented by Gogoi serves as a significant talking point, forcing a deeper introspection into the BJP's regional strategies and the perceived impact of leadership changes on electoral outcomes.

The political discourse in Assam is now abuzz with questions about whether the party can reclaim its lost ground and address the concerns raised by the Opposition regarding its performance and public perception in vital regions like Bodoland.