Guwahati: Noted public intellectual and scholar Hiren Gohain has launched a scathing critique of Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, accusing the leader of unbridled personal ambition and unpredictable political conduct.
In a strongly worded statement, Gohain termed Gogoi’s political maneuvers as “dangerous” for Assam’s political landscape, drawing a direct parallel to the rise of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
While acknowledging the presence of honest, dedicated workers within the Raijor Dal and recalling his own past support for Gogoi, Gohain said that the time had come for a “comprehensive evaluation”. He alleged that Gogoi’s overriding objective is self-elevation at any cost.
“There is no limit to this ambition. For the sake of it, ideology, friendship, mutual understanding, agreements, and even his own opinions can be tossed out like waste paper,” Gohain observed, criticizing Gogoi’s lack of commitment to his political partners.
Shedding light on pre-election political dynamics, the veteran scholar held Gogoi responsible for sabotaging negotiations with the Congress. According to Gohain, while Gogoi appeared incredibly eager to forge an alliance, his core focus remained narrowly fixed on securing Assembly seats.
By stubbornly demanding a disproportionate number of seats relative to his actual mass support, Gogoi created friction. When the Congress logically refused these demands, Gogoi orchestrated a public spectacle and a smear campaign that ultimately damaged the Congress’s prospects during the elections.
A significant portion of the criticism was directed at Gogoi’s wavering relationship with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Gohain pointed out how the Raijor Dal chief frequently oscillates between extreme criticism—”dragging him down to hell”—and elevating him “to the skies”.
Gohain noted that Gogoi delivers these self-contradictory statements with a smile and has currently settled into a phase of “pure adulation” toward the Chief Minister.
Describing Gogoi as highly proactive but entirely unconcerned about the consequences of his actions, Gohain stated that the leader is driven purely by personal desires and whims.
“Ultimately, he misleads and thoroughly frustrates his allies before walking away like a free bird,” Gohain stated. “Accountability is simply against his nature.”
Gohain further remarked that while only Gogoi knows what “new act” he will put on in the future, the public should now clearly understand what to expect from him.
“There is no doubt that the game will go on,” he cautioned.
