DISPUR — Following a landslide victory for the BJP-led alliance in the Assam Assembly elections, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a stinging attack on the Congress party, particularly targeting spokesperson Pawan Khera. Sarma claimed the electorate had delivered a “fitting reply” to allegations made by the Congress during the campaign.
Sarcastic Swipe at Congress Leadership
In a victory speech delivered to jubilant party workers on May 5, 2026, Sarma took a sarcastic jab at the Congress strategist.
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The “Pera” Remark: Sarma quipped that “Assamese people made Pawan Khera eat pera” (a traditional sweet), suggesting a decisive electoral defeat.
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Hiring Advice: He further advised the opposition against rehiring Khera for future campaigns.
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Community Rejection: The Chief Minister alleged that Congress leaders faced rejection even from their own communities.
Crediting Central Leadership
Sarma described the election results as a “historic and emotional moment,” attributing the success to the vision of national leaders.
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Development Focus: He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for transforming Assam into a “development-oriented state” since 2016.
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Identity Protection: Sarma stated that voters now view the BJP as the sole protector of Assamese identity.
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Broad Support: The CM claimed the alliance crossed the 100-seat mark due to support across all communities, including sections of Assamese Muslims.
Regional and National Impact
Beyond Assam, Sarma characterized the BJP’s performance in West Bengal as a “national victory”. He emphasized that the party’s growing influence from Bengal to the Northeast is crucial for regional security, specifically highlighting the importance of protecting the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor.
This crushing defeat for the Congress in Assam directly mirrors the internal fallout within the party, including the immediate resignation of Jitendra Singh as General Secretary In-Charge of Assam, who cited the “deeply disappointing” results as his reason for stepping down.
At a Glance: BJP’s Assam Triumph
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Victory Margin: BJP-led alliance surpassed 100 seats.
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Key Driver: CM credits PM Modi and Amit Shah for image transformation since 2016.
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Internal Response: AICC’s Jitendra Singh resigned immediately following the loss.
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Security Focus: CM emphasizes the security of the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor.
