Guwahati, March 18 — Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, has made a clear statement that the ongoing state assembly election is not about a single political party, but rather about the aspirations of the people of Assam. Speaking to reporters, Gogoi emphasized that the people of Assam want Himanta Biswa Sarma to not return as Chief Minister, arguing that his leadership has been detrimental to the state’s development and has prioritized his family’s interests over the public good.

Controversies Around Tribal Status and Land Acquisition

Gogoi highlighted the concerns of the people from six communities in Assam who oppose granting tribal status to certain groups, a move he claims Sarma has been pushing for. He further accused the current Chief Minister of neglecting the tea industry, which has been in decline, while allegedly acquiring tea gardens in the names of his family members. The allegations against Sarma are tied to the Jal Jeevan Mission, a central government initiative aimed at providing tap water to every rural household in the country.

Gogoi stated that the people of Assam are aware of the rising land revenue for common citizens, while a particular family has allegedly acquired nearly 12,000 bighas of land across the state through irregular means. He said the people are also aware of the impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission on their lives, adding that the BJP government has dented the hopes of the younger generation who aspire to become contractors. ASHA and Anganwadi workers, who provide essential health and nutrition services, have also been reportedly deceived, according to Gogoi.

He continued, ‘The people have seen all of this, and the youth of Assam understand it clearly. This election is not meant for any individual. Therefore, no one wants Himanta Biswa Sarma to become the Chief Minister again.’ Gogoi’s comments come at a time when the state is preparing for a critical electoral contest that could reshape the political landscape of Assam.

Importance of the Assembly Election

Gogoi arrived in Dibrugarh directly from New Delhi and addressed the media, emphasizing that the upcoming Assembly election is extremely important and will determine the future of Assam. He reiterated that the central issue of this election is that the people of Assam do not want Himanta Biswa Sarma to continue as Chief Minister. Gogoi said that the people of Assam want relief from his leadership, which he claims has been marked by a focus on personal and familial interests rather than the public good.

Gogoi also spoke on the broader political context, stating that the Congress party is committed to taking every demand of the people seriously and continuing to strengthen its work in the state. He acknowledged the recent departure of Pradyut Bordoloi from the Congress party, calling it a personal decision and expressing that it was unfortunate. He noted that the Congress party had given Bordoloi a ticket in the last Lok Sabha election and also provided a ticket to a member of his family in the current Assembly election. Despite this, Bordoloi remained upset over personal reasons, according to Gogoi.

When asked about the party’s stand regarding the candidature of his son, Pratik Bordoloi, Gogoi said that the Central Election Committee meeting would be held that day, and most likely the third list of Congress candidates would be released that night. He expressed sympathy, support, and moral support for Pratik Bordoloi, stating that whatever decision he wished to take, he would speak on behalf of the party. Gogoi also mentioned that he had already conveyed the necessary matters to the central leadership in Delhi.

Coalition Talks and Electoral Strategy

Gogoi also addressed the possibility of an alliance with the Raijor Dal, expressing a positive response. He mentioned that a proposal had already been communicated over the phone, and further decisions would depend on the response from the Raijor Dal. He reiterated before the media that every effort would be made to free the people of Assam from the intimidation and low-level politics of Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The upcoming Assembly election in Assam is a crucial test for the political landscape of the state. With Gogoi at the forefront of the Congress party’s strategy, the focus appears to be on challenging the current government and addressing the concerns of the people. The allegations against Sarma, if substantiated, could significantly impact the election outcome and the future direction of Assam’s governance.

The people of Assam are now watching closely as the political maneuvering unfolds, with the hope that the upcoming election will bring about meaningful change. The issue of Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership and the allegations against him are central to the electoral discourse, and Gogoi’s commitment to making every possible effort to free the people from his politics is a key point in the current political narrative.