Guwahati, July 5: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President and MP Gaurav Gogoi has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing his government of centralizing power and undermining the constitutional autonomy of tribal councils under the Sixth Schedule.
Speaking at a press conference in Diphu on Saturday, Gogoi alleged that the powers granted to Autonomous Councils like the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong are now being remotely controlled from Dispur.
“The Sixth Schedule was meant to ensure self-governance and decentralization. But today, all decisions are taken by the Chief Minister himself. The councils have become powerless,” he said.
Gogoi emphasized that the core intention behind the Sixth Schedule was to allow local communities to control their development and resources. “Power should not be concentrated in Delhi or Dispur. It must reach Diphu, BTR, and Dima Hasao,” he asserted.
He claimed the Congress has always championed decentralization. “The BJP government has dismantled what we tried to build. During Tarun Gogoi’s tenure, councils for communities like the Thengal Kachari and Rabha were created based on local consensus. Even at political cost, we empowered grassroots leaders. Today, the reverse is happening.”
The Congress leader accused current council heads of failing their communities by silently submitting to directives from the state government. “Even if they belong to a different ideology, they should have the courage to stand up for their people. But now, they act like rubber stamps,” he said.
Gogoi further criticized the Chief Minister for allegedly distributing land and public resources at his discretion. “How can he distribute council land without consulting the local bodies? It’s a direct assault on the rights of indigenous people,” he said.
Calling the situation dangerous, Gogoi warned that the very spirit of tribal self-governance is under threat. “This is not just politics — it’s about defending constitutional rights. Congress will intensify its protests against this power grab,” he concluded.
