Congress launches public outreach to shape ‘Bor Asom’, an inclusive Assam

Dibrugarh: The Congress on Saturday launched a public outreach programme to draft a manifesto for a ‘Bor Asom’, a greater, inclusive Assam. The initiative aims to represent all communities across the state.

APCC president Gaurav Gogoi said other opposition parties are conducting similar programmes.
The move follows a collective decision made at a recent meeting.

Speaking at a press conference in Dibrugarh, Gogoi said, “Simply criticising the government will not suffice. We must engage with youth, communities, government employees, and all sections to understand how they envision Assam.”

He added that opposition parties will carry out public interactions throughout December.
“I propose a convention in January where our vision for a ‘Bor Asom’ will be presented,” he said.

Gogoi stressed that consulting people before drafting policies is a long-standing Congress tradition. He cited central acts such as RTI, RTE, and MGNREGA, shaped after wide public consultations.

Drawing parallels with the early 2000s, he said, “When the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government took charge in 2001, Assam faced economic and law-and-order challenges. We consulted the people and prepared a roadmap to address these issues.”

He alleged the current government has abandoned such democratic practices.
“Now, whatever the ‘raja’ in Dispur decides, is executed. We want to be ‘raijor sevak’, not a ‘raja’.
From a ‘divided Asom’, we aim to build a ‘Bor Asom’,” Gogoi asserted.

The APCC chief also highlighted organisational strengthening through the recently launched ‘Raijor Podulit, Raijor Congress’ programme. The initiative included medical camps in tea garden areas.

Lok Sabha MP and manifesto committee chairperson Pradyut Bordoloi said the upcoming manifesto will extend beyond next year’s state elections.

“It will provide a roadmap for the future and include all sections of society to reflect Assamese aspirations,” he said.

On a common manifesto by opposition parties, Bordoloi added, “If an alliance forms, we will adopt common minimum programmes.”