The change in ownership of Assamese daily Dainik Asom has triggered a political debate in the state, with questions raised over the role of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The new owner, Kishor Borah, a contractor from Dibrugarh, had earlier launched satellite channel ND24, which failed to make an impact. His acquisition of Dainik Asom is seen as a major shift, given the paper’s legacy and credibility in Assam.

Borah’s business links have sharpened the controversy. He is connected with contracts at the Pandu dry port, which functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways headed by Sonowal. The overlap has fuelled concerns of proximity and conflict of interest.

Speculation turned into open debate after Swadhin Kontha, a social media platform, directly linked Borah’s business rise to his association with Sonowal. The post suggested that the media acquisition was less about journalism and more about political influence.

Sonowal has chosen silence, consistent with his style of avoiding confrontation. But political observers say this silence risks being seen as tacit approval, particularly on matters connected to his ministry and associates.

Sonowal’s political identity was once rooted in vaktibad — a reputation for honesty and simplicity. That image, however, is under strain. With close associates expanding into media and ministry-linked contracts under scrutiny, the minister faces questions over whether his credibility is eroding.

What could have been a business headline has instead become a political talking point, with Assam’s media, politics and business interests converging around Sonowal’s silence.