Gaurav Gogoi accuses BJP of turning Assam into a ‘corporate ATM’, slams EC as Sangh Parivar tool

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 4, 2025

Assam Pradesh Congress president and Lok Sabha Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi launched a fierce attack on the BJP government and the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing them of dismantling democratic institutions and enabling corporate exploitation in Assam.

While addressing reporters in Bokajan on Friday, Gogoi alleged that the ECI has lost its impartiality.

“The Election Commission, once an independent constitutional body, has now joined the Sangh Parivar. It’s no longer neutral—it works for the BJP,” he said.

He further claimed that the BJP-RSS alliance doesn’t believe in democratic elections.

“They don’t want elections; they want fascist control by snatching away people’s rights.”

Gogoi urged Congress workers to rebuild the party from the grassroots.

“Before alliances, we must strengthen ourselves. A united, strong Congress can ensure our allies win,” he said during a party gathering.

He pointed to the public’s warm reception in Karbi Anglong as a signal of shifting sentiment.

“Small traders tell me how they’re suffering. People are returning to Congress—those who once walked away are now coming back.”

Blasting the Assam government for alleged land grabs and corporate favouritism, Gogoi pulled no punches.

“This is a government of mama, mami, Adani, and Ambani. They don’t care if it’s forest land, tribal land, or protected land—if they want it, they evict the poor,” he said, citing the recent evictions in Lakhimpur.

He accused CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and KAAC chief Tuliram Ronghang of running personal empires.

“Dispur has Himanta Biswa Sarma Pvt Ltd, Diphu has Tuliram Ronghang Pvt Ltd. They’re holiday partners—turning Karbi Anglong into an ATM for land, coal, timber, and black money.”

Gogoi contrasted this with his father, late CM Tarun Gogoi: “He was CM for 15 years and never built Italian villas or owned tea estates. Today’s leaders are obsessed with wealth, not public service.”

Calling out the BJP’s cultural rhetoric, Gogoi said: “They chant Jati, Mati, Bheti but give no peace to farmers or tribal communities. Karbi Anglong leaders are also cashing in while the public suffers.”

Gogoi said crime is spiralling in Assam under BJP’s watch.

“Elderly citizens feel unsafe. Young girls feel unsafe. The CM is focused only on himself,” he said.

Gogoi ended with a call for unity within Congress to take on what he called “fascist and corporate-backed rule.”

“If we don’t unite now, our Constitution and democracy will be crushed. Congress will fight back to restore justice, fairness, and the spirit of our Republic.”