'We Steal Hearts, Not Votes': Assam CM Slams Rahul Gandhi
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attacks Rahul Gandhi's electoral record and travel habits while announcing strict new rules for govt employees.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing verbal assault on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, mocking his electoral track record and questioning his commitment to staying in India. In a sharp critique, the Chief Minister suggested that Gandhi is more interested in international travel than understanding the political machinery that drives the BJP's success.
The 'Century' of Losses
Taking a dig at the Congress leader's history at the polls, Sarma drew a contrasting parallel with sporting legend Sachin Tendulkar. While Tendulkar is celebrated for scoring centuries on the cricket field, Sarma quipped that Rahul Gandhi has managed to score a "century in losing elections."
The Chief Minister further asserted that the BJP does not merely seek votes but wins the affection of the masses through decisive actions. He cited the construction of the Ram Mandir, the abrogation of Article 370, and the introduction of the Agniveer scheme as pivotal decisions that "won people's hearts."
Accusations of Foreign Travels
Sarma suggested that if Rahul Gandhi truly wanted to understand how the BJP maintains its popularity, he should spend a month working at a BJP office. However, he claimed Gandhi lacks the time for such an endeavor due to his frequent trips abroad.
"He spends more time outside the country than within it. And where does he go? When he is abroad, he does not even post Instagram reels!" Sarma remarked.
The Chief Minister pointed out the irony of Gandhi's social media presence, noting that while he is active on X and Instagram within India—particularly when demanding debates—he remains silent on these platforms during his visits to places like Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangkok.
The Debate Challenge
These remarks come as a response to Rahul Gandhi's renewed challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha recently took to X to poll young Indians on whether they wanted to see a face-to-face discussion between the two leaders.
Gandhi had previously suggested that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat could moderate the debate, which would cover allegations regarding foreign influence on the Prime Minister's office and India's financial systems. Gandhi has further alleged that the Prime Minister attained and maintained his position with foreign assistance.
Crackdown on Government Employees
Moving from political sparring to governance, Chief Minister Sarma also announced a significant policy shift regarding government service in Assam. The state Cabinet has approved an amendment to service rules to ensure moral and legal accountability among public servants.
Under the new rules, any government employee who enters into a second marriage or abandons their first wife to live with another woman will face immediate dismissal from service. Sarma noted that this move aligns with the Uniform Civil Code, which classifies second marriages as a punishable offense.