GUWAHATI : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 17 dismissed the political significance of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s proposed visit to Guwahati, questioning whether it would have any meaningful impact on the state’s electoral landscape.

Responding to questions from reporters, Sarma remarked, “Why? Is she going to vote here?”-a statement aimed at underscoring what he described as the primacy of local leadership in Assam politics.

The Chief Minister asserted that leaders rooted in the state wield greater influence among voters than national figures visiting during campaign periods. “I am a bigger leader. Bhupen Borah is a bigger leader. Dilip Saikia is a bigger leader as far as Assam is concerned,” he said, referring to senior political figures in the state.

Sarma’s comments come at a time of intensified political mobilisation in Assam, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress stepping up outreach efforts ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

The exchange reflects sharpening rhetoric between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress as both parties seek to consolidate support across constituencies in the run-up to the polls.