Guwahati, July 16, 2025 – A fresh political storm has erupted in Assam as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over an alleged statement made during a closed-door meeting. According to sources, Gandhi reportedly told Congress leaders, “Take it in writing, Himanta Biswa Sarma will definitely be sent to jail when we come to power.” Sarma, in a sharp retort, reminded Gandhi of his own legal troubles, stating, “Rahul Gandhi has forgotten that he himself is out on bail in multiple criminal cases registered across the country.”

The Controversy Unfolds

The alleged remark by Rahul Gandhi was made during a meeting with the Congress Political Affairs Committee in Assam, as claimed by Sarma in a post on X. The Assam CM sarcastically wished Gandhi a pleasant stay in the state, highlighting the Congress leader’s ongoing legal battles. This exchange comes amid heightened tensions between the two leaders, who have been engaged in a war of words for months.

Sarma’s response has sparked widespread reactions, with supporters of both leaders taking to social media to defend their respective stances. The controversy is likely to fuel political debates ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Background of the Feud

The rivalry between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma is not new. Earlier this year, during Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam, Sarma accused him of inciting violence and announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would probe the matter, with plans to arrest Gandhi after the Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, in turn, has repeatedly called Sarma “corrupt” and accused him of being “remote-controlled” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This latest exchange adds fuel to an already volatile political rivalry, with both leaders using strong rhetoric to target each other. Sarma’s mention of Gandhi’s bail in multiple cases refers to legal battles, including a 2023 defamation case where Gandhi was sentenced to two years in jail but later granted bail.

Political Implications

The timing of this controversy is significant, as Assam gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections. Political analysts suggest that Gandhi’s statement could be an attempt to rally Congress workers by projecting a strong stance against the ruling BJP government in Assam. However, Sarma’s quick rebuttal aims to shift the narrative, portraying Gandhi as a leader entangled in legal issues.

The war of words is expected to intensify as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections. Congress is banking on leaders like Gaurav Gogoi to strengthen its position in the state, while the BJP, led by Sarma, remains confident of retaining power.

Social Media Reactions

Posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment surrounding the issue. Some users have backed Sarma, praising his governance and dismissing Gandhi’s claims as political posturing. Others have supported Gandhi, arguing that Sarma’s remarks are an attempt to deflect attention from allegations of corruption.

What’s Next?

As the political landscape in Assam heats up, this controversy is likely to dominate headlines. Whether Gandhi’s alleged statement will translate into concrete action against Sarma remains to be seen. For now, the focus is on how both leaders navigate this high-stakes verbal duel.

Stay tuned to Bharat Tone for the latest updates on this developing story and other political news from across India.

Keywords: Rahul Gandhi, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam politics, Congress, BJP, jail claim, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, 2026 Assam elections