Guwahati: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday escalated his criticism of the BJP by launching a frontal attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of being “the most corrupt chief minister in India” and charging him of converting the state into a land ATM for big businessmen of the country.
Addressing a large election rally in Bokajan in Karbi Anglong Hils district in support of Congress candidate Raton Engti, Mr Gandhi accused the BJP of widespread corruption and favouritism toward corporate interests. He alleged that the government headed by Himanta Biswa Sarma had allocated 7,000 bighas of land to Patanjali and 18,000 bighas to the Adani group, calling these decisions unprecedented and harmful to Indian farmers.
“These lands were snatched from the people. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma have made a land ATM in Assam. They snatch land from the people and give it to big industrialists,” he added.
Mr Gandhi asserted that a Congress government would initiate action against the chief minister. “He may appear confident now, but he will fall silent once proceedings begin,” he said.
Mr Gandhi also outlined social welfare proposals, including a one-time financial aid of Rs 50,000 for every woman and a new health insurance scheme covering diabetes, cancer, accidents, and other critical illnesses, providing coverage up to Rs 25 lakh. including a one-time financial aid of Rs 50,000 for every woman and a new health insurance scheme covering diabetes, cancer, accidents, and other critical illnesses, providing coverage up to Rs 25 lakh.
Mr Gandhi also flagged the importance of Article 244A, which he said empowers local communities through autonomous governance structures. Pointing out that it was implemented by the Congress party in Assam, he praised Congress for ensuring that key decisions remain at the grassroots level, warning that the BJP’s model sidelines local voices in favour of directives from Guwahati and Delhi.
Amid thundering support of locals, he asserted that the Congress would fully implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution to grant greater autonomy to Karbi Anglong and other Sixth Schedule areas, ensuring governance by local communities.
Turning to foreign policy, Mr Gandhi criticised a recent India–US agreement, alleging that it compromises India’s agricultural and energy sectors and exposes the economy to external pressures. He claimed that small farmers and MSMEs are particularly vulnerable under these arrangements, while the nation has conceded significant ground without adequate benefits.
He alleged that Mr Modi takes direction from Trump, while the Assam chief minister, whom Mr Gandhi described as a “mini Modi,” implements policies without independent judgment, prioritising the interests of national leadership over the people of Assam.
Mr Gandhi also asserted that Congress believes in decentralisation, while the BJP is trying to run Assam from Delhi.
Talking about celebrated musician Garg, who died in Singapore by drowning in September last year, Mr Gandhi said he stood for the state and its people. “He did not stand for one person, one community, one language or one history. He reflected the spirit of the multi-cultural, multi-religious tradition of Assam.
Once we come to power, we will deliver justice within 100 days, and it is 100 percent sure,” he added.
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