Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi escalated his criticism of the BJP leadership on Thursday, targeting both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that governance in Assam is being dictated from Delhi under external and corporate influence.
Addressing a large public gathering, Gandhi described Assam as a diverse state with multiple communities, identities, and cultures, all of which he said deserve equal representation and participation in decision-making. He contrasted this with what he described as the BJP’s highly centralised governance model, which, according to him, concentrates power in the hands of a few at the top.
Gandhi accused the BJP of widespread corruption and favouritism toward corporate interests. He alleged that the government 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. Gandhi also claimed that India’s agricultural policies and foreign trade decisions, including oil imports, are being influenced by the United States.
Rahul 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.
Gandhi highlighted the importance of Article 244A, which he said empowers local communities through autonomous governance structures. 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.
He further accused the state government of allocating thousands of bighas of land to large corporate groups, including those led by Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Baba Ramdev, for industrial and commercial projects. He claimed these moves threaten small farmers and local businesses, undermining equitable development.
Turning to foreign policy, 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.
Gandhi also went on the offensive against the top leadership, asserting a chain of control from former U.S. President Donald Trump to Narendra Modi and down to Himanta Biswa Sarma. He alleged that Modi takes direction from Trump, while the Assam Chief Minister, whom Gandhi described as a “mini Modi,” implements policies without independent judgment, prioritising the interests of national leadership over the people of Assam.
Gaurav Gogoi Accuses BJP of “Syndicate Politics,” Promises Reforms in Assam