Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has targeted Rahul Gandhi following a video that shows the Congress leader allegedly pulling Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar by the collar during an opposition march in New Delhi. Sarma described the incident as “public humiliation” and questioned whether Shivakumar would accept such treatment. The video, which has circulated widely on social media, has provided an opportunity for Gandhi’s political opponents to criticise him.

On October 12, 2026, Rahul Gandhi led a march towards the Supreme Court, accompanied by various opposition leaders and civil society representatives. The purpose of the march was to submit a memorandum against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar concerning alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls. During this event, the controversial moment occurred as Gandhi appeared to pull Shivakumar backwards by the collar of his kurta, leading to a loss of balance for the Karnataka Chief Minister.

In the aftermath of the incident, BJP leaders expressed their disapproval. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya labelled Gandhi’s actions as an “insult to the dignity of 7 crore Kannadigas,” emphasising that the Chief Minister represents the state and its people. This criticism aligns with the broader sentiment among BJP supporters who have seized upon the footage to question Gandhi’s conduct.

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Remarks on Social Media

Himanta Biswa Sarma shared his thoughts on the incident via social media, invoking his own experiences with Rahul Gandhi in 2015 when he was a member of the Congress party. He stated, “In 2015, I refused to swallow humiliation, as a proud Assamese. God was kind to me.” His comments suggest a personal connection to the theme of humiliation, as he reflected on his departure from the Congress party following an alleged disrespectful encounter with Gandhi.

Sarma further emphasised the significance of Shivakumar’s position, stating that he is not merely an individual but a representative of a constitutional office, embodying the pride and culture of Karnataka. He questioned whether Shivakumar would tolerate such treatment, thus framing the incident as a broader issue of respect for political leaders.

In addition to Sarma, other BJP leaders echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing the narrative that Gandhi’s actions were inappropriate for a leader of his stature. The incident has reignited discussions about Gandhi’s leadership style and his interactions with fellow party members.

Historical Context of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Criticism

The confrontation between Sarma and Gandhi is rooted in a historical context that dates back to 2015. Sarma has previously cited a meeting with Gandhi during which he felt humiliated, claiming that Gandhi’s dog took a biscuit intended for guests without any attempt to replace it. This incident reportedly contributed to Sarma’s decision to leave the Congress party and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Since becoming Assam Chief Minister in 2021, Sarma has frequently referenced this past incident as a point of contention in his ongoing critique of Gandhi. The recent collar-pulling video has provided fresh material for Sarma to highlight what he perceives as Gandhi’s lack of respect for fellow leaders.

The ongoing feud has been reignited multiple times, with previous instances drawing attention to Gandhi’s conduct. Sarma’s latest comments serve to remind the public of their contentious relationship and the political ramifications that stem from such incidents.

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