Assam polls: Gaurav Gogoi slams BJP, CM Sarma over Zubeen Garg's death

Campaigning in Sarupathar, Congress's Gaurav Gogoi accused CM Himanta Biswa Sarma of links to Zubeen Garg's killers and running syndicates. AJP's Lurinjyoti Gogoi also slammed the BJP, vowing to defeat them in the upcoming polls.

Assam Congress president and candidate from Jorhat constituency Gaurav Gogoi and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi visited Sarupathar today to campaign for opposition alliance candidate Jiban Chutia in the Sarupathar constituency.

Gogoi Alleges Injustice in Zubeen Garg Case

According to a press release issued by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), addressing a large election rally attended by nearly five thousand people at Nolonipathar Church playground, both leaders sharply criticised the sitting MLA Biswajit Phukan and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Gogoi alleged that the BJP harbours no respect for Zubeen Garg and stands opposed to his ideals. While addressing a gathering here, he further claimed that even after his death, the BJP continued to disrespect Zubeen Garg.

Launching a strong attack on the government for failing to deliver justice, Gogoi alleged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has close links with those responsible for Zubeen Garg's killing, which led to negligence in the investigation. He assured that an alliance government would deliver justice within 100 days of coming to power and also called for an investigation into the relationship between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shyam Kanu Mahanta.

Accusations of Syndicate Rule

Gogoi accused the present government of running syndicates, alleging that those in power are linked with syndicate mafias. He stated that syndicates involving cattle, coal, sand, and stone are being operated under the current regime. He questioned whether such individuals could genuinely care about public welfare, employment, healthcare, and land rights.

Plea for Communal Harmony

He further stated that strict action would be taken against anyone making communal remarks against any religion. He asserted that Assam has always been a land of harmony inspired by the ideals of Sankar-Azan, and emphasised that while everyone has the right to speak for their community, insulting others is not part of Assamese culture. Gogoi promised the introduction of strict laws to maintain peace and harmony, drawing inspiration from the governance style of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

Gogoi Slams CM's 'Derogatory' Remarks

Reacting strongly to alleged derogatory remarks made by the Chief Minister against Gen-Z candidate Kunkhi Choudhury and her family, Gogoi said that such comments exposed the Chief Minister's character.

He accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of lowering the dignity of his office through inappropriate public remarks and stated that the Assamese society must restore the dignity of the Chief Minister's position. He also remarked that Himanta Biswa Sarma is not a true follower of Sanatan values.

AJP President Criticises BJP Government

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi urged the people to oust leaders who divide society and act as subordinates to the Chief Minister. He reiterated the resolve to defeat the BJP through united opposition efforts.

'Takes with a Bulldozer': AJP on Price Rise

He also criticised the Chief Minister on issues such as the Assam-Nagaland border dispute, the Apex Bank scam, post-eviction conditions, and land pattas. Referring to rising prices, he remarked that while the government gives with a spoon, it takes away with a bulldozer. He emphasised that government schemes are funded by public money and beneficiaries are not subservient to any political party. He assured that under an alliance government, no woman would be harassed in the name of schemes, and benefits would be distributed equally to all.

Assam Assembly Polls

The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. Assam is witnessing a contest between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and the Congress-led alliance for the 126-seat assembly. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)