GUWAHATI, April 29: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah on Tuesday demanded a public apology from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma within 48 hours over his controversial remarks about women securing government jobs during the Congress regime.
Borah warned that if Sarma does not apologize within 48 hours, the Mahila Congress will sue him in the High Court.
Addressing a rally for the upcoming panchayat elections in Borsola, Sonitpur district on Monday, Sarma alleged that under the Congress government (2001–2016), “young girls had to lose their sanctity” to get government jobs. The statement has triggered a political and social backlash.
Borah responded sharply, calling the remark an “allegation of outraging the modesty of women.” He said thousands of women were employed during the Congress era—including through the APSC and as ASHA workers, nurses, Anganwadi workers, doctors, engineers, and school and college teachers—and Sarma’s comments were a humiliation to them and their families.
“He has tried to create mistrust in families by questioning the integrity of these women,” Borah said. “This is not just political rhetoric—this has hurt the dignity of working women across Assam.”
Borah demanded that the CM publicly apologize to all working women. “If he fails to do so within 48 hours, Mahila Congress will approach the High Court. This government is bound by collective responsibility,” he added.
He also criticized Sarma’s previous role during the Congress regime, asking, “Was Himanta Biswa Sarma blind like Dhritarashtra during those 15 years he was a minister?”
Calling on women’s organizations to take a stand, Borah challenged their silence on the issue. He also mocked Sarma’s complaint that Congress workers weren’t receiving enough posters and banners for the election. “The Congress symbol is in the hearts of the people of Assam,” he said.
Borah went on to accuse BJP leaders of hypocrisy, pointing to Tuliram Ronghang’s alleged Rs 200 crore palace. “Is this what BJP’s ‘party with a difference’ means?” he asked, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify the matter.
Borah also brought up internal BJP issues, questioning Sarma’s concern for loyal BJP workers compared to others. “He is yet to be a BJP worker at heart,” Borah said.
“Assamese women will give a fitting reply to the CM in the panchayat elections,” he also said.
He concluded by challenging opposition leader Akhil Gogoi to speak out more clearly. “I also urge Akhil Gogoi to speak out against me if he has any complaints—he shouldn’t stay silent on my account. I welcome criticism from anyone. I’ve said before that even when a husband and wife argue, it can take five to six hours to reconcile. Yet, during the Assembly session, we saw a live telecast of Akhil Gogoi arguing with the Chief Minister, and within five minutes they were back to exchanging pleasantries. Whether an alliance will happen or not remains to be seen, but we need clarity on these issues,” he added.
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