Himanta, Gaurav spar over allegations of corruption against Karbi leader Ronghang

Guwahati, Jul 7 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that any attempt to discredit Karbi Anglong leader Tuliram Ronghang by individuals "acting at the behest of hostile forces like Pakistan" will hold no ground.

He made the remark a day after state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi brought out a video in front of an under-construction building in Diphu, allegedly owned by a "close friend" of Sarma.

Refraining from naming Gogoi, Sarma maintained that nothing will "dampen the spirit of progress" in Karbi Anglong and among its people.

"Sri Tuliram Ronghang is a respected leader who rose from a humble Karbi village to become the Chief Executive Member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Under his stewardship, the region has seen unprecedented development, along with lasting peace and stability," Sarma said in a post on X.

A day before, Gogoi had shared a video shot in front of an under-construction building in Diphu, alleging corruption behind its construction. It is purportedly owned by a "close friend" of the CM, he said, adding it is much bigger "sheesh mahal" than that in Delhi "which was occupied by a former CM".

Gogoi was referring to BJP terming the bungalow of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal "sheesh mahal" during last year's Delhi assembly elections.

Sarma maintained that Diphu is recognised as one of the most developed headquarters, "a testament to his (Ronghang's) vision and dedication to the Karbi people".

"Attempts to defame or discredit a leader of his stature, especially by individuals acting at the behest of hostile forces like Pakistan, will not dampen the spirit of progress," he said, in an apparent reference to Gogoi whom he has been targeting for his alleged links with the neighbouring country through his British wife.

"The people of Karbi Anglong remain united and committed to safeguarding the hard-earned peace and continuing their journey towards greater progress," the chief minister added.

Hitting back at Sarma, Gogoi also posted on social media, "Today Himanta Biswa Sarma is busy defending people who have looted money through government schemes meant for cattle, are involved in coal and supari syndicate and built mansions bigger than Delhi sheesh mahal." "His certificate of clean chit has zero value. People of Assam will oust the Sardar of loot and corruption, and his gang," the Congress' deputy leader in Lok Sabha claimed. PTI SSG SSG ACD