Political Leaders Defend Assam Minister’s Election Remark Amid Criticism

After Congress’ Gaurav Gogoi won the Jorhat parliamentary constituency, several political leaders have criticized Assam cabinet minister Pijush Hazarika for his earlier statement about retiring if BJP’s candidate Topon Kumar Gogoi lost. Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan clarified that Hazarika’s remark was a political statement, not a binding commitment. Phukan emphasized that many political statements made during campaigns are not formal promises. He also commented on the BJP’s unfulfilled slogan “Abki baar 400 paar,” describing it as a strategy to pressure the opposition, while acknowledging the voters’ support that enabled the BJP to form the government for a third term.