War of words intensifies in poll-bound Assam

The war of words has intensified in Assam as the day of voting, April 9, draws near.

Two days after Rahul Gandhi called him the “most corrupt” Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma retaliated by calling the Congress leader ‘Pappu’ and State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi as ‘Chhota Pappu’.

Also read: Developments in poll-bound States and UT for Assembly elections 2026

“Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi will have to be reborn to arrest me. They can touch a hair on my body only after seven lives,” he told journalists on Friday (April 3, 2026).

Congress leader Pawan Khera retaliated on Saturday (April 4, 2026). “Since @himantabiswa believes he is above the law, he should remember a natural law: the higher you stand, the harder you fall. From CM’s residence to Tihar—that will only be the beginning,” Mr. Khera posted on social media platform X.

Earlier, Mr. Gandhi said the Chief Minister’s “chest-puffing” would end the moment the Congress formed the government in Assam. “He will come [to us] with folded hands. I know these people. They will not be forgiven,” Mr. Gandhi said.