Assam polls will be a battle between people and ‘raja’, says Gaurav Gogoi
Dibrugarh: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Friday accused the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government of running an authoritarian administration and said the upcoming assembly elections would be a battle between the people and the “raja” (ruler).
Addressing a mass convention organised by the Dibrugarh District Citizens’ Forum, Gogoi alleged that the BJP-led coalition was undermining citizens’ right to criticise the government, a fundamental part of democracy.
Assembly elections in Assam are expected to be held in March-April.
"This election will be between the people of Assam and the raja (ruler)," Gogoi said. He also stressed that the Constitution provides citizens not only the right to vote but also the right to question the government.
"Democracy cannot function without the right to question authority. People have the right to be informed about government work in health, education, and infrastructure. Yet, this government avoids empowering citizens. Their approach resembles that of ancient monarchs, a maharaja in Delhi, and in each state they control, a raja has been placed," he said.
Gogoi criticised the government’s welfare schemes, saying they were used to control people rather than serve them impartially. "Every government has the responsibility to provide public funds through welfare schemes. But now, conditions are being imposed, people cannot belong to another party, attend other party meetings, or question and criticise if they want benefits. This reflects their attitude and arrogance," he said.
Accusing the BJP of governing through threats and intimidation, Gogoi said, "Those sitting in Delhi and Dispur cannot sit there forever. If the people unite and become alert, they can uproot these leaders in a second. But the people must unite for it."
He claimed the government often tries to create divisions among communities to weaken unity, citing examples along religious, linguistic, and regional lines—including Upper Assam-Lower Assam, Karbi and non-Karbi, Bodo and non-Bodo, Mising and Ahom, Moran and Chutia.
Gogoi urged citizens to raise awareness about these tactics, saying, "Conscious citizens must create awareness so that common people can understand these conspiracies." Criticising the Chief Minister, he added, "Although Assam should rank among the top five states in terms of welfare, it remains in the bottom five. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has secured a place among India’s wealthiest CMs," he said.
The Congress leader also confirmed that opposition parties are united for the polls, emphasising that the contest is not party versus party, but the people versus the rulers.
The convention was attended by several opposition leaders, including Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Raijor Dal general secretary Dhairya Konwar.