Assam BJP Minister Pijush Hazarika on Friday launched a sharp critique at Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi, asserting his pride in being a fisherman and highlighting the value of the fisheries profession over what he described as “making children British citizens.”
Addressing the media, Hazarika said, “In my 27 years of public life, I have never seen such a cheap attack. Yes, I am a fisherman and I say it with pride, for it is my bread and butter. My family and I run fisheries. Fishing is a noble profession, and I am proud of it.”
The minister further criticized Congress, saying that ever since Gaurav Gogoi took charge of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, the party has tried to drag Assam into caste politics. “In Assam, caste has never defined us. Our society has always lived in harmony. Congress is trying to divide what our culture has always kept united,” he added. 
Hazarika also compared the fisheries business with other pursuits he considered less honorable, stating, “Fisheries business is far better than making one’s children British citizens or sending money abroad through hawala.” He said that the attack by Gogoi hurt not only him personally but also the entire fisherman community in the state.
Recalling his electoral history, Hazarika said that in his 2011 Assembly election affidavit, he had proudly mentioned his profession in fisheries.
