Guwahati, June 26: Assam Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, accusing him of allowing ministers and MLAs to benefit from government schemes meant for common citizens.
Speaking at a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, Gogoi questioned the integrity of the CM for allegedly turning a blind eye to the financial enrichment of his close circle through public schemes. “What’s shocking is that the Chief Minister is concerned about the financial future of his ministers’ families. A common woman gets ₹1,250 while a minister’s wife gets ₹20 lakh. That’s the reality under this government,” Gogoi said.
He alleged that earlier suspicions about the BJP’s links to illegal syndicates have now escalated into direct misuse of taxpayer-funded schemes, with ministers’ families benefiting while the average citizen is sidelined.
Gogoi also hit out at the BJP for its attacks on the media, accusing the Chief Minister and his aides of threatening editors and owners of news channels. “The press is being targeted because it has started exposing the rot. But Congress will stand by the media. Whether they cover us or not, we’ll maintain a respectful relationship with the fourth pillar of democracy,” he said.
On the issue of democracy and emergency, Gogoi said, “Why does the BJP forget the chaos during demonetization or the oxygen crisis during COVID? Today, we are in a silent emergency—no one can question, no one can post on social media, no one dares file an RTI.”
Marking one month in office as APCC president, Gogoi said the Congress is regaining public trust. “We’ve taken on issues that matter—syndicates, corruption, press freedom, and the misuse of government power. And we’ve seen a positive response.”
He pointed to multiple field visits over the past month, including a trip to Barak Valley where damaged bridges exposed a thriving heavy truck syndicate, and Bhatiapar in Sivasagar, where he questioned ONGC’s decision to award a gas blowout contract to a firm with a questionable track record. “What are SK Petro’s qualifications? Why was this company trusted?” Gogoi asked.
He also highlighted the Congress’s organizational rebuilding efforts, saying observers were sent across districts to assess the ground situation. “Our workers have the courage. But we must rebuild our foundation. We admit that the last panchayat elections were not in our favour, but we’re learning.”
The Congress also conducted outreach in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), with Gogoi accusing CM Sarma of pressuring regional parties like BPF and UPPL. “We’ll finalize our BTR strategy after listening to the grassroots,” he added.
On forming future alliances, Gogoi responded to Akhil Gogoi’s remarks by stating that the Congress remains the principal opposition force but must first strengthen its organization. “We will lead, but we must first stand on solid ground.”
He reiterated that Congress is committed to rebuilding its presence in all 126 Assembly constituencies and ensuring a fair electoral process. “We will fight to clean the voter list, restore democratic norms, and challenge the BJP’s communal and corrupt governance at every level,” Gogoi added.
The media briefing was attended by senior Congress leaders including MP Rakibul Hussain, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and APCC working presidents Jakir Hussain Sikdar and Roselina Tirkey.
