Guwahati, Jan 29: The Congress on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of overseeing an illegal coal syndicate in the state with the support of his colleagues, in violation of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, All India Congress Committee (AICC) national spokesperson and chairperson of social media, Supriya Shrinate, slammed the Chief Minister for his “double standards” on illegal rat-hole mining.
“The Chief Minister initially claimed that there was no illegal coal mining in Assam. However, within 48 hours, he directed the administration to shut down all illegal rat-hole mining sites,” Shrinate said.
Referring to the coal mine tragedy in Umrangso, where four labourers lost their lives in an illegal rat-hole mine, she criticized the CM for failing to curb rampant illegal mining despite the NGT’s ban.
Shrinate described Himanta Biswa Sarma as “one of the most corrupt Chief Ministers in the country” and alleged that the state is plagued by misgovernance.
“The Chief Minister makes grand claims, instils false pride in people, and then blames Congress while boasting about BJP’s success. But the reality is different,” she asserted.
She further alleged that after the Umrangso mining tragedy, where nine miners died, the Chief Minister initially denied the existence of illegal mines in Assam, only to order their closure 24 hours later.
“Everyone knows that about 5,000 workers who were engaged in illegal mining in Umrangso have now moved to Goalpara, Dhubri, Morigaon, and Barpeta. Where did they come from?” she questioned.
Despite government action, illegal coal mining continues unabated in Assam, posing severe threats to public health and the environment, she added.
“Illegal mining must be acknowledged and stopped once and for all,” she demanded.
Shrinate also criticized the Assam government’s inefficiency in utilizing budgetary allocations, stating that 51% of funds remain unspent with just two months left in the fiscal year.
She also raised concerns over the relocation of Assam’s wildlife to a private zoo in Gujarat.
“There is deceit surrounding Assam’s budget and governance. Tribal welfare budgets have been cut, wildlife is being taken from Assam Zoo, and electricity tariffs are crushing the economy,” she said.
Taking a swipe at Himanta Biswa Sarma’s national political influence, Shrinate claimed his stature in the BJP had weakened after his failure to deliver results in the Jharkhand elections.
“The people of Assam will give a fitting reply in the upcoming panchayat and assembly elections,” she declared.
