GUWAHATI, June 27: Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a fierce attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, accusing him of allowing large-scale misuse of government welfare schemes for the benefit of ministers’ families. Speaking at a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, Gogoi alleged that while ordinary women receive just ₹1,250 under certain welfare schemes, ministers’ wives have been granted benefits up to ₹20 lakh.
“What’s shocking is that the Chief Minister seems more concerned about securing the financial future of his ministers’ families than that of ordinary citizens,” Gogoi said, citing this disparity as a symbol of the BJP-led government’s failure to uphold fairness and transparency.
He went on to claim that suspicions of BJP’s connections to illegal syndicates have evolved into direct misuse of public funds, with taxpayer money being diverted to political allies. Gogoi also condemned the BJP’s alleged targeting of the media, stating that journalists and news outlets were being pressured for exposing government corruption. “Congress stands firmly with the press, regardless of how they cover us. We believe in the strength of the fourth pillar of democracy,” he said.
Addressing broader concerns over democratic decline, Gogoi likened the current political environment to a “silent emergency,” highlighting issues such as censorship, restricted freedom of expression, and suppression of public inquiry through intimidation and lack of transparency.
Marking one month as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Gogoi said the Congress is reconnecting with people and focusing on real issues such as corruption, media freedom, and abuse of power. He shared insights from recent field visits, including to Barak Valley, where he exposed the unchecked operations of truck syndicates, and Bhatiapar in Sivasagar, where he raised concerns over ONGC awarding a contract to SK Petro, a company with a dubious record.
Gogoi emphasized the Congress party’s ongoing organizational rebuilding, noting that district observers have been sent across the state to assess on-ground realities. He admitted the party’s shortcomings in past panchayat elections but expressed optimism in the party’s grassroots revival.
The Congress leader also addressed political developments in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), accusing CM Sarma of coercing regional parties like BPF and UPPL. He said the party’s BTR strategy would be formulated after consulting local stakeholders.
Responding to remarks made by Raijor Dal’s Akhil Gogoi, the APCC president maintained that the Congress remains the principal opposition force in Assam, but must first focus on strengthening its base before forming alliances.
“We are committed to fighting for a clean voter list, restoring democratic norms, and exposing the BJP’s communal and corrupt governance at every level,” Gogoi concluded.
The press briefing was attended by senior party leaders including MP Rakibul Hussain, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and APCC working presidents Jakir Hussain Sikdar and Roselina Tirkey.
