Assam: BJP’s ‘last chance’ to fulfil tribal autonomy, ST promises, says Akhil Gogoi

Guwahati: Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday stated that the ongoing Parliament session is the “last chance” for the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam to fulfil two of their most important promises: granting constitutional autonomy to Assam’s ethnic tribal councils and ensuring Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities of the state.

Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said that the BJP had “repeatedly assured” the people of Assam that it would constitutionally recognise the autonomy framework of various indigenous tribal bodies and resolve the long-pending demand for ST status for the Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia, and Tea Tribes communities.

He stressed that the government must act before the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly session in March, failing which, he said, the ruling BJP would be “proven to have misled the people with false promises.”

“The ongoing Parliament session is the final opportunity. If the government truly respects the indigenous people of Assam, it must table and pass the required Bills now. Otherwise, these promises will forever be seen as political gimmicks,” Gogoi told the media.

The Sivasagar legislator also criticised the Assam Chief Minister and Union leadership for what he described as “prolonged silence and delay tactics” on the twin demands, despite repeated mass movements and appeals by community organisations.

Gogoi said the tribal autonomy issue is not merely administrative but “deeply connected with Assam’s identity, land rights, and ethnic security.”

Regarding the ST status issue, he stated that the delay has created “uncertainty, resentment, and loss of trust” among the six communities, who have struggled for decades to secure constitutional safeguards.

“If the Bills are not passed in this session, the government must be ready to face a democratic mass movement across Assam,” Gogoi warned.

He appealed to all indigenous organisations, civil society groups, and democratic forces to “stay united and vigilant” at this time.