Gaurav Gogoi accuses Assam CM of favouritism in welfare schemes: ‘Ministers’ wives get Rs 20 lakh, common women just Rs 1,250”

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 26, 2025

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of allowing the misuse of public welfare schemes to benefit his close political allies and their families.

Addressing reporters at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, Gogoi alleged that government schemes, funded by taxpayers, are being diverted to serve ministers and MLAs instead of ordinary citizens. “It’s astonishing that a minister’s wife receives Rs 20 lakh from a government scheme, while a common woman gets just Rs 1,250. This shows where the Chief Minister’s priorities lie—protecting his own circle’s financial interests,” he said.

Gogoi claimed that what began as allegations of syndicate links has now evolved into direct involvement of the ruling party in state-sponsored corruption. “These schemes are not meant for the powerful. They are meant for the people. Instead, we see BJP ministers and their families as primary beneficiaries.”

The Congress leader also accused the government of suppressing media freedom. He alleged that BJP leaders have been pressuring and intimidating media owners and editors to reduce coverage of opposition voices. “The press is under attack because it has begun to expose this government’s wrongdoings. Still, we respect and will stand by the media—whether they report on us or not,” Gogoi said.

Criticizing the BJP’s take on democracy, Gogoi pointed to events like demonetization and the COVID-19 oxygen crisis, calling them “emergencies in disguise.” “Today we have a silent emergency—no RTIs, no dissent on social media, no room for questions. This is the BJP’s idea of democracy,” he said.

Reflecting on his first month as APCC president, Gogoi said Congress has been reconnecting with the people and refocusing on key issues like corruption, syndicates, and governance failure. He cited visits to Barak Valley—where heavy truck movement has damaged infrastructure due to alleged syndicate activity—and Bhatiapar in Sivasagar, where ONGC’s choice to award a gas blowout contract to a little-known firm raised eyebrows. “We want transparency. What credentials does SK Petro have? Why was this company picked?” he asked.

Gogoi said the Congress has begun internal reorganization, deploying observers to assess grassroots conditions and identify weaknesses. “Our workers are ready, but we must rebuild from the ground up. We acknowledge setbacks in past elections, including the panchayats, but this time we are focused,” he said.

He also addressed the political situation in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), alleging that CM Sarma has pressured regional parties like the BPF and UPPL into submission. Gogoi said Congress will finalize its BTR strategy only after wide grassroots consultation.

Responding to remarks from independent MLA Akhil Gogoi, the Congress president said his party remains the principal opposition in the state. “But before we talk alliances, we must strengthen our organization. Only then can we lead effectively,” he added.

Gogoi reiterated Congress’s commitment to building its presence in all 126 Assembly constituencies and pledged to safeguard electoral integrity. “We will fight to clean up the voter list, ensure free and fair elections, and resist every attempt by the BJP to communalize governance and misuse power,” he said.

The press meet was attended by senior Congress leaders including MP Rakibul Hussain, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and APCC working presidents Jakir Hussain Sikdar and Roselina Tirkey.