Guwahati, 13 January (HS): Union Minister of state for Foreign affairs Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday hit back at Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi over his remark questioning “Who is Himanta Biswa Sarma,” calling it an act of arrogance and ignorance about Assam’s history and culture.

Responding sharply, Margherita said in a press conference that at a time when Gogoi was “watching cartoons on television,” Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma was already associated with meaningful creative and cultural pursuits. He remarked that Sarma had acted in socially relevant films spanning generations, while prominent Assamese productions were shaping the state’s cultural narrative.

The Union Minister further stated that when Gogoi lacked a comprehensive understanding of Assam and its legacy, Dr Sarma was taking icons like Lachit Borphukan and Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva to the global stage, projecting Assam’s heritage on national and international platforms.

“As such, the competitive posturing and remarks made by Gaurav Gogoi hold no real value,” Margherita said, asserting that leadership should be judged by contribution to society, culture and governance rather than rhetorical questions.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash