It is no secret that there exists a longstanding animosity between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Their discord, rooted in historical disagreements, has been rekindled during Rahul Gandhi's recent Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, particularly as it traversed through Assam. The journey, aimed at delivering justice to the people of India, has encountered unprecedented hostility, marked by vehement demonstrations, clashes with BJP supporters, and a direct confrontation with the state government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The intensity of the conflict escalated when Rahul Gandhi, in a fiery war of words, launched personal attacks on Sarma, alleging corruption not only against the Chief Minister but also extending the accusations to his entire family, including his children and wife. This targeted assault on Sarma's family, a political veteran who has weathered numerous charges, especially infuriated the Assam Chief Minister.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, in retaliation, referred to Rahul Gandhi as Ravan, drawing parallels to the demon king, and stated that the Congress leader had crossed a figurative Laxman Rekha. The clash between the two leaders reached its zenith when the Assam government, under Sarma's directive, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of provoking the crowd to break barricades during the yatra.
The history of discord between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma dates back to 2015 when Sarma, a loyal Congress leader, felt sidelined and humiliated by the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi. His subsequent switch to the BJP marked a turning point in Assam's political landscape, contributing to the BJP's success in the region.
The current round of personal attacks, especially those targeting family members, has further exacerbated the bitterness between the two leaders. Despite Congress President Mallikarjun Khadge expressing concerns about security issues, the animosity between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma shows no signs of abating. Rahul Gandhi's recent characterization of Sarma as the "most corrupt chief minister in the country" and accusations of fear and hatred being spread by the Assam Chief Minister suggest that the political tensions are likely to persist, adding another chapter to their enduring enmity.
