In this candid and wide-ranging conversation on Leaders Lounge, Free Press Journal’s Executive Editor Afrida Rahman Ali sits down with Gaurav Gogoi — three-time Member of Parliament from Assam and recently appointed President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.
From the politics of fear in Assam to questions about dynastic politics, media control, personal adversities, fitness routines, and even food preferences — this interview offers an insight into both the public and personal life of one of the Congress party’s prominent young leaders.
Q: You’ve said that people in Assam are afraid to raise independent opinions. What is making the political climate so intimidating?
Gaurav Gogoi: The current BJP government in Assam practices a politics of fear and intimidation. Whether it’s villagers worried about losing access to welfare, journalists afraid of arrest, or businessmen concerned about raids — this is not hypothetical. These things have actually happened. That’s why Congress’ message in our rally was simple: don’t be afraid. We stand with you.
Q: Rahul Gandhi recently said that Himanta Biswa Sarma “knows he’s going to jail.” Do you think that’s the right tone for a political campaign?
Gogoi: When a government rules through fear, it’s important to remind people that power is not permanent. That they don’t have to tolerate injustice forever. Holding those in power accountable is essential to a functioning democracy.
Q: There have been strong allegations about voter list manipulation in Assam and Maharashtra. What is the Congress’ position on this?
Gogoi: This isn't just a Congress issue. It’s about the fundamental right to vote. In my own constituency, people who voted in the Lok Sabha polls couldn’t find their names in the Assembly election list months later. This kind of systemic exclusion and opacity from the Election Commission is dangerous for democracy.
Q: The voter list revision in Assam is being linked to NRC and CAA. Why didn’t Congress make this a bigger campaign issue earlier?
Gogoi: We did raise it — strongly. In 2021, Rahul Gandhi came to Assam and wore a gamosa that had "CAA" crossed out. But yes, our tactical alliances backfired in some areas. There were also new parties that split opposition votes. Now, people are seeing that BJP acts like a “real estate broker” for Adani and Ambani — and Congress is making sharper interventions.
Q: You’ve been accused of riding on your father Tarun Gogoi’s political legacy. How do you respond?
Gogoi: I’ve learned politics from my father. His understanding of Assam, of service, and of the Congress party shaped me. But I want people to judge me on my work — not just my surname.
Q: You’ve described the BJP government as living “like kings,” and accused them of land grabs and corruption. Can you elaborate?
Gogoi: There’s growing anger in Assam about how BJP MLAs and ministers are diverting funds and even livestock meant for public schemes to their own families. We call them “Goru Chors” — cow thieves. People see through their hypocrisy when they talk about dynastic politics while looting public resources.
Q: During the Ram Mandir consecration, you raised a bold critique of BJP mixing religion and politics. Do you think it backfired?
Gogoi: Not at all. BJP lost Ayodhya in 2024. Indians are deeply religious but they don’t want politics to hijack faith. We respect religion but oppose using Bhagwan Ram for votes — that demeans both democracy and devotion.
Q: In Parliament, you often confront the Prime Minister directly. What motivates that?
Gogoi: Fact-checking the PM isn’t just a journalist’s job — it’s our responsibility too. If he attacks dynasties while sitting next to ministers from political families, someone needs to call it out.
Q: Some believe opposition leaders like you are being excluded from global delegations by the Centre. Do you feel sidelined?
Gogoi: My party believed in me and nominated me. If the government didn’t include me, it reflects more on them. But I’m proud the Congress trusts me to represent India.
Q: Do articulate voices get rewarded in the BJP?
Gogoi: No. The BJP prioritizes obedience over talent. In the Congress, and in many opposition parties, if you’re smart and bold, you’re encouraged. In BJP, that’s often punished.
Q: Will you lead Congress as CM candidate in Assam 2026?
Gogoi: That’s for the party leadership to decide. My focus is on strengthening the Congress and winning back Assam from BJP’s politics of fear.
Q: What was your relationship like with your father, late CM Tarun Gogoi?
Gogoi: He was my teacher, mentor, and father. He taught me to use politics as a form of service, not power. I try to carry forward his values — fairness, humility, and compassion.
Q: As a family man in politics, how do you balance public life and private responsibility?
Gogoi: My wife runs the home beautifully. When I’m in Delhi, I adjust to her space. I don’t walk in as ‘Congress President.’ Family keeps me grounded. We’ve faced attacks — including targeting my wife and children — but adversity has made us stronger.
Q: Let’s talk wellness. What’s your routine?
Gogoi: I try to balance mental, emotional, and physical health. Meditation, gym, and a bit of yoga help. I prefer the gym over long walks. I also read to stay mentally sharp — it's better than binge-watching shows.
Q: You’re known for switching languages fluently. How do you manage that?
Gogoi: I love languages. Whether it's Hindi, Assamese, Urdu, or even picking up Arabic words during travel — it’s about curiosity and respect for diversity. Parliament is a place where I want to reflect that richness.
Q: Lastly, how has the Congress’ digital strategy evolved, especially with media blackouts?
Gogoi: Legacy media is declining because of bias. But regional and vernacular outlets still show us fairly. We’re also focusing on Instagram, YouTube, and even Snapchat to reach young voters directly. We know we can’t rely on traditional coverage anymore.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Gaurav Gogoi comes across as articulate, grounded, and combative — someone carrying the legacy of his father while building a voice of his own in national politics. Whether he will lead the Congress to victory in Assam remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — he isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
