Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia has slammed state finance and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for targeting former chief minister Tarun Gogoi for his old-age.
Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 18 had said that Gogoi is irrelevant in state politics because of his old age and he should be indulged in religious activities.
Saikia said that Gogoi used to adore Sarma like his son when the latter was the minister in the Congress government in Assam since 2001.
“Tarun Gogoi is a respected figure. We are deeply hurt at the statements Sarma made publicly on Gogoi. For the sake of politics, one shouldn’t stoop that low to insult elders like that. Though Sarma mentions about the Indian culture but nowhere in Indian culture such behaviour towards an elder is appreciated. Rather, he should have wished good health and long life for Gogoi,” Saikia said on August 20.
Saikia also said that Sarma was helped by Gogoi in several aspects during his career’s initial days.
“Tarun Gogoi helped him a lot in his political career by giving him several opportunities which many didn’t get. There are instances when Gogoi didn’t give the portfolio to these winning candidates but gave to Sarma,” the senior Congress leader added.
