New Delhi : Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday mounted a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing his decade-long leadership of fostering what he described as an “industry of hatred” in the state.

Gogoi said the Congress is determined to put an end to divisive politics and refocus governance on development and employment, particularly for the youth.

Addressing a press conference following a major induction programme at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Gogoi said Assam’s political climate has become increasingly polarised under the current regime. He asserted that the Congress would work to restore a politics centred on inclusivity, democratic values and economic opportunities.

The induction event marked a notable political development, with several senior leaders from the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally joining the Congress. Those inducted included Bubul Das, Ashok Kumar Roy Pradhani, former BJP leader Gautam Dhanowar and prominent Karbi leader Longki Tokbi. Gogoi said the new entrants would significantly strengthen the party’s organisational base ahead of upcoming elections.

Claiming growing public discontent with the Sarma government, Gogoi said thousands of people from Assam were preparing to travel to Delhi to participate in Rahul Gandhi’s “Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhor” protest rally scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan on December 14.

He also alleged that an atmosphere of fear prevails in the state, discouraging dissent. According to Gogoi, people are increasingly hesitant to question the government, attend opposition meetings or express their views freely on social media.

Responding to queries on the Zubeen Garg murder case, the APCC president said the matter must be allowed to proceed strictly through legal and judicial channels, adding that the chargesheet would be examined as part of due process.

On the recent defection of the Congress’s state social media head to the BJP, Gogoi dismissed it as a reflection of the ruling party’s anxiety over the Congress’s growing digital reach. He further accused the BJP of employing “manipulative tactics” to secure victories in the 2024 Lok Sabha and recent state elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Bihar.

The event was attended by AICC Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh, co-in-charges Prithviraj Sathe and Manoj Chauhan, MPs Pradyut Bordoloi and Rakibul Hussain, former MLA Satyabrata Kalita, and several other senior Congress leaders.