Senior Congress leaders on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Assam government, alleging authoritarian governance, corruption, and misuse of welfare schemes ahead of upcoming political developments in the state.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also the party’s election observer for Assam, said in Guwahati that the political atmosphere in the state reflected a demand for change. He stated that Congress governments have historically been inclusive, while BJP governments promote division and centralised control.
Shivakumar questioned the BJP’s stance on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, recalling that the party had previously accused him of corruption when he was with Congress. He asked how the same leader is now projected as a key figure within the BJP.
He also alleged that despite being in power for a decade, the BJP has failed to build strong leadership within the state and has relied on leaders who defected from Congress. According to him, this reflects a lack of internal growth within the party.
Raising concerns over governance, Shivakumar claimed that welfare benefits were being linked to political participation. He alleged that some beneficiaries, including women, were pressured to attend political events to continue receiving government support.
He further criticised statements attributed to the Chief Minister regarding influence over Congress candidate selection, questioning the role of senior national leaders in such decisions.
The Congress leader also alleged widespread corruption in the state administration and said there were attempts to suppress media reports highlighting such issues. He added that employment challenges continue, pointing to migration of youth from Assam to other states in search of jobs.
On immigration, Shivakumar claimed that previous Congress-led governments had taken stronger action compared to the BJP on deportation issues.
Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary in charge of Assam, Jitendra Singh, criticised infrastructure in Guwahati, stating that even short spells of rain led to waterlogging. He also alleged a climate of fear in the state, where criticism of the government could attract legal action.
Singh further claimed that central agencies were being used to intimidate opposition voices and alleged divisions within the BJP’s state unit. He referred to leadership changes in the past as an indication of internal differences.
He said the government had not fulfilled key promises related to employment, tea garden workers, and development. Singh also questioned recent political allegations involving Congress leaders, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
He announced that the Congress party would release its manifesto at a rally in Lakhimpur, outlining key issues including media freedom and governance reforms.
On the rejection of a Congress candidate’s nomination in Barpeta, Singh said the issue stemmed from a technical error and could be legally challenged. He added that the party may approach higher courts if required.
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