Assam CM slammed by Congress for comments on Akhil Gogoi's 'mental health'

GUWAHATI: Assam Congress today condemned chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his comments on jailed MLA Akhil Gogoi's mental health condition on the floor of the Assam Assembly yesterday.

Sarma, taking a dig at his vocal critic yesterday said, "Akhil Gogoi has been undergoing mental and psychological treatment at GMCH (Gauhati Medical College and Hospital) for four months. How can a person like him be allowed to attend the Assembly session."

Sarma went a step ahead and branded Akhil Gogoi as "mentally unfit" and explained that Gogoi has flouted all COVID norms on the first day of the assembly itself by meeting and greeting everyone present in the house and that it was a "sign of a psychological patient."

Sarma took a jibe and said, "It seemed Gogoi came to the Assembly just to spread the virus.”

“This kind of behvaiour is an indication of impending illness,” Sarma added further.

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The Congress in a released statement has termed this incident as "unfortunate" as well as criticized CM Sarma said, "highly insensitive, undignified and unbecoming of a person who is occupying the highest position in the state."

Meanwhile, APCC President Ripun Bora has termed the statement as "extremely unparliamentary" and "inappropriate" to make for an opposition leader who was not even present in the house.

It needs mention here Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi has been under police custody since December 2019. Gogoi is currently admitted in GMCH owing to his poor health condition.

"The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee expresses concern at the denigrating statement of the CM on mental health especially when society is still fighting against stigma on mental health issues," the party further added.

Congress in its statement also added that it is up to the Court to decide whether Akhil Gogoi is fit enough to be present in Assembly or not as the matter is subjudice.

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