Guwahati, 02 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday took a dig at Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, saying election campaigns should centre on issues concerning voters rather than discussions about jail. CM was talking to media persons after attending a program.

Reacting to Gogoi’s remarks, Sarma said elections should prompt political leaders to talk about development and public welfare, including roads, schools, colleges and government schemes such as Orunodoi.

“When elections come, one should think about votes, not jail,” Sarma said.

He further said that the focus during elections should remain on issues affecting the common people. “When elections come, one should talk about roads, schools, colleges and Orunodoi,” he added.

Taking another swipe at Gaurav Gogoi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the chief minister alleged that both leaders frequently raised the issue of jail whenever elections approached.

“But Gaurav Gogoi and Rahul Gandhi talk about jail whenever elections come,” Sarma said.

The chief minister also remarked that people lodged in jails do not participate in elections, while ordinary citizens cast their votes.

“Prisoners in jail do not vote. The general public votes,” he said.

The remarks come amid an ongoing political exchange between Sarma and Gogoi ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election. The two leaders have traded allegations and counter-allegations on governance, welfare schemes and other political issues during the 2026 Assam Assembly election campaign as well.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash