The Assam Congress has raised serious questions about the security arrangements for its state president, Gaurav Gogoi, with party leaders alleging that his safety is being overlooked despite the precedent set for former Congress chiefs in the state.
Senior Congress leader Mira Borthakur Goswami, president of the Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress, on Thursday expressed concern that Gogoi, who also serves as vice-chairman of the opposition bloc, has been moving around with only one personal security officer (PSO). She highlighted that earlier Congress presidents, including Ripun Bora and Bhupen Borah, were provided with a full security team and an escort vehicle for their safety.
“Ex-Assam Congress president Ripun Bora and Bhupen Borah were provided adequate security by the state government. Each of them had a vehicle and six security personnel. But our current state president Gaurav Gogoi has been left with only one PSO, which is unacceptable,” Borthakur said. 
She further said that this disparity raises questions about the intent of the government. “Maybe you personally dislike Gaurav Gogoi, but neglecting his security cannot be justified. This is an ethical issue and also a matter of law and order,” she remarked, addressing her appeal to the Assam Chief Minister and the state Home Minister.
The Congress leader insisted that Gogoi, as the sitting state president of the party, must be given the same level of security as his predecessors. “In the past, we saw how Ripun Bora sir and Bhupen Bora sir were provided proper arrangements. Why should Gaurav Gogoi be treated differently? He is the president of the state unit of the Congress, and his safety is the responsibility of the government,” she said.
According to her, denying adequate security to Gogoi not only exposes him to risks but also undermines the opposition’s role in a democracy. She emphasized that it is the “moral responsibility” of the state to ensure the safety of political leaders, regardless of party affiliation.
Highlighting Gogoi’s frequent travel across the state, Borthakur added that he often moves in different constituencies during the day and late at night with only one PSO by his side. “Why is security not given to him in a state like Assam where political rivalry is intense? This is a big question. The stubbornness of denying him security should end. His protection should be prioritized according to the rules and system,” she said.
