Tarun Gogoi assails Assam BJP leader's allegation

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today termed as "baseless and politically motivated" the allegation by BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma that the Speaker of the Assembly was influenced by him.

Gogoi said, "It is really unfortunate that Himanta Biswa Sarma chose to hurl wild allegations against me that I have influenced the Speaker."

In a statement, he said, "It is a blatant lie. This is a grave insult to the Hon'ble Speaker who always maintains neutrality and impartiality. He has also desecrated the sanctity of the House."

Gogoi challenged Sarma to prove his allegation and said that if he failed, he would have to apologise publicly.

He also hit out at Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for his remark that the Assembly had been turned into a Congress' office.

"The comment made by Sonowal against the House is disgraceful, shocking and outrageous," Gogoi said in the statement.