Himanta Biswa Sarma Criticizes Congress Over Handling of National Security, Talks of Missed Opportunities

By A Staff Reporter

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sharply criticized the Congress party over its handling of national security, specifically in the context of Operation Sindoor and past military actions against Pakistan. Speaking in Guwahati, Sarma questioned Congress' response to Pakistan’s actions, particularly after the Pakistani Director General Military Operations (DGMO) reportedly surrendered to the Indian government.

“Congress party should clearly say that even after Pakistan DGMO surrendered before the Indian government, should we continue the war?” Sarma asked. He further challenged Congress to reflect on their actions during past incidents of Pakistani terrorism, pointing out that the party had failed to take decisive action when terrorists attacked India.

Sarma also questioned the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, claiming that while she is credited with creating Bangladesh, she failed to address strategic concerns like the vulnerable “chicken neck”—the narrow corridor connecting the Northeast with the rest of India. He said, “You could have converted the chicken neck into a proper road. Today, you have presented us with a fundamental country in our neighborhood.”

The Assam CM suggested that if Indira Gandhi had been alive, he would have asked her, “If you won a war, why did you allow the creation of an Islamic republic next door?” He added that Congress could have negotiated better with Bangladesh, potentially securing up to 100 kilometers of land to better connect Northeast India with the rest of the country.