Pankaj Nath, Assam, 26 August : Tensions flared between Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the party’s state units lodged eight separate FIRs against him over disputes arising from flood‑relief distribution. On Monday, multiple BJP wings — including the Youth, Labour, Women, Minority, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC cells — filed the complaints at Sivasagar police station. The party alleges that during relief distribution, Gogoi threatened party workers and made insulting remarks. The confrontation began when Gogoi publicly criticized the state government and local administration for delays and alleged irregularities in delivering relief to flood‑affected villagers and schools in his constituency. He repeatedly raised questions about administrative accountability, saying essential aid had failed to reach several affected communities in time. BJP leaders countered that Gogoi’s accusations were politically motivated attempts to malign the party and its workers. At a protest in Sivasagar, state vice‑president Lakshi Kowar accused Gogoi of making unfounded claims against several BJP legislators and office‑bearers, including Nazira MLA Mayur Bargohain, Dimow MLA and minister Sushanta Bargohain, Sonari MLA Dharmeshwar Kowar and Guardian Minister Bimal Bora. Lakshi Kowar described the allegations as part of a political conspiracy. Gogoi also raised separate concerns about alleged illegal coal and stone mining in the Bihubar–Naginimara area, charges the BJP has called defamatory. The dispute intensified after a short video clip from a meeting, showing a heated exchange between Gogoi and Sivasagar Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav, went viral on social media. The BJP says the clip shows Gogoi using provocative and threatening language toward the commissioner. Gogoi, however, defended his conduct as a forceful stand for his constituents’ right to timely relief and said he was performing his duty. Sivasagar administration and police confirmed they have begun investigations into the eight FIRs. Both sides have issued statements, and further developments will hinge on the outcome of the police probe and any subsequent legal or political actions. With eight complaints filed, observers say the dispute is likely to sharpen on both political and legal fronts in the coming days. The situation remains fluid as authorities examine the allegations and the parties await the probe’s findings.
