Bhupen Borah meets Rahul at 10 Jan Path, discusses revival of united opposition
Guwahati, Dec 6: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah has announced a symbolic “countdown clock” to mark the end of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s tenure, claiming only 500 days remain before his “fall.”
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, Borah criticized Sarma’s governance and declared the Congress’s intent to oust the BJP-led government in the 2026 state assembly elections.
Borah described Sarma as “autocratic,” accusing him of fostering corruption and failing to address core issues like unemployment and fair wages for tea garden labourers. He revealed plans to install the countdown clock at Congress headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, in Guwahati as a symbolic gesture against the BJP government.
Borah pledged to launch a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 100 days of Congress coming to power to investigate corruption and alleged syndicate operations under Sarma’s administration. He also criticized Sarma for arresting low-level cadres while ignoring high-profile corruption cases.
“I have discussed this with Rahul Gandhi, and he will announce the SIT formation during his visit to Assam in 2025,” Borah stated.
On the beef ban issue, Borah referenced Assamese historical and spiritual leaders Saulung Sui-Ka-Pha and Srimanta Sankardeva, emphasizing their inclusive ideologies. He criticized BJP’s policies, including the beef ban, for interfering with food habits and cultural traditions.
Acknowledging setbacks in recent by-elections, Borah assured that Congress would adopt a micro-level approach to planning for the 2026 elections. He highlighted wage hikes for tea labourers and unemployment as key campaign issues.
Borah affirmed his commitment to uniting all anti-BJP forces, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for the 2026 elections. He discussed the Congress’s approach with Rahul Gandhi, securing his support for forming alliances and strengthening the party’s organization at the grassroots level.
“We will not compromise in our fight against fascism and will work to unite all anti-BJP forces,” Borah said. He also noted that the party’s focus would include empowering District Congress Committees (DCCs) for panchayat elections to ensure stronger local coordination.
Borah accused CM Sarma of undermining RSS ideology and claimed that Sarma was now alienating both BJP and RSS supporters. He also alleged electoral malpractice during the Samaguri by-election, claiming it had exposed the BJP’s tactics.
The Congress is banking on revitalizing its grassroots base and presenting itself as a united opposition against the BJP. By addressing corruption, unemployment, and wage issues, the party aims to win the confidence of the people ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
With the countdown clock set to tick, the political battle in Assam promises to intensify as the Congress gears up for a determined push against the BJP.
