Guwahati: The Congress on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP government in Assam, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption, misuse of power and authoritarian functioning.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress election observer for Assam, Bhupesh Baghel, alleged that Assam, known for its tea gardens, the one-horned rhinoceros and cultural icons like Dr Bhupen Hazarika, is now being identified with corruption under the present BJP rule.
Baghel alleged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma have accumulated “a mountain of assets” across Assam.
“Wherever one goes in Assam, properties linked to the Chief Minister and his family are found. There are even reports of properties in Sixth Schedule areas,” he claimed, adding that asset declarations submitted to the Election Commission reflect a sharp rise in the Chief Minister’s wealth over the years.
Citing affidavit data, Baghel said Sarma’s assets grew from around Rs 1 crore in 2006 to Rs 3 crore in 2011, Rs 6 crore in 2016 and about Rs 17 crore at present.
“This itself raises serious questions about corruption and irregularities,” he said. Baghel also recalled that the BJP had once termed Sarma the “most corrupt leader” before his induction into the party, alleging that he was later “washed clean” after joining the BJP.
He asserted that if Congress comes to power in Assam in 2026, all alleged acts of corruption will be investigated.
Another Congress observer, Bandhu Tirkey, accused the Chief Minister Sarma of running the state in an authoritarian manner.
“From my interactions with people in Guwahati, it is clear that the people of Assam have made up their minds to remove this corrupt government,” Tirkey said, calling the upcoming election a “do-or-die battle” for the people.
On opposition unity, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi said an alliance among opposition parties is certain.
He claimed that the BJP itself is confused about alliances in areas like Rabha Hasong and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), and has also failed to manage its ties with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).
Gogoi alleged internal conflict within the BJP and said ticket distribution is being influenced by those targeting former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.
On the vacant Rajya Sabha seat from Assam, Gogoi said Congress is not prioritising it at present, as it would require an alliance with AIUDF, which the party has ruled out.
Responding to opinion polls, Gogoi said Congress believes only in “people’s surveys”. He recalled that surveys had wrongly predicted his defeat in the Jorhat Lok Sabha election.
On the Kaziranga elevated corridor issue, Gogoi said he is not against development but stressed that development must be sustainable.
He alleged that the project is being pushed without proper environmental studies and claimed it would primarily benefit the Chief Minister financially. He also said dissatisfaction with the BJP government is growing even among its alliance partners.
Gogoi also released a government letter allowing non-DIPR-empanelled agencies to undertake publicity work, alleging it reflects the BJP government’s desperation and attempts to manipulate voters.
He appealed to ensure that no eligible voter is deprived of voting rights.
During the press conference, the Congress released the music video of the “Natun Bor Asom Abhiyan” titled Asomiya Moi Bor Asomar and formally launched its wall-writing campaign.
Several senior Congress leaders, including AICC secretaries in charge of Assam, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Rakibul Hussain and multiple MLAs, were present at the event.
