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Assam : Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday framed the Barak Valley as the focal point of the party’s campaign, telling a regional meeting in Cachar district that the coming election would be decisive for Assam. Addressing party workers and local leaders, Gogoi expressed confidence that voters would deliver a mandate in favour of the Congress, arguing that the political mood across the state had shifted.

Remembering Tarun Gogoi’s Barak Outreach

Gogoi invoked the legacy of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, saying residents of the Barak Valley continue to recall his hands-on engagement with the region. He said Tarun Gogoi had personally consulted local communities on development priorities, spoken about granting sub-divisional status to Katigorah Mouza, and worked to ensure political security across communities. According to Gogoi, the former chief minister relied on counsel from senior leaders such as Santosh Mohan Dev and Ajit Singh to chart Barak’s development path.

Claims of Developmental Neglect

Turning to the present, Gogoi alleged that meaningful discussions on Barak’s growth had faded since Himanta Biswa Sarma took office. He claimed the region had lost momentum on issues ranging from railway connectivity and national highways to recognition of language martyrs. Health centres, he added, face doctor shortages, while government schools in tea garden areas have been shut, with little response from the administration.

Allegations of Syndicates and Governance Failures

Gogoi accused the state government of allowing syndicate activity to flourish, asserting that administrative focus had shifted away from public welfare. He also questioned priorities related to the movement of betel nut through Barak from outside the state, arguing that economic regulation should not overshadow essential services.

Accusations on Votes, Land, and Resources

The Congress leader made a series of allegations against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming irregularities in elections and the targeting of vulnerable groups. He alleged land alienation affecting Bodo, Rabha, and Karbi communities, cattle theft incidents in Upper Assam, and water shortages in tea gardens despite infrastructure projects, criticising the implementation of welfare schemes.

Citizenship, Culture, and Identity Concerns

Gogoi raised concerns over citizenship-related issues, asking whether the problems of D-voters, NRC disputes, and ration distribution had been resolved. He said Bengali-speaking residents felt increasingly insecure, accusing the government of questioning their identity. Referring to a recent cultural controversy, he criticised what he described as a lack of understanding of Bengali heritage, citing the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore and his compositions.

Debate Over National Symbols and History

Drawing attention to parliamentary debates, Gogoi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about “Vande Mataram” without acknowledging its historical association with the Congress. He noted Tagore’s role in popularising the song and said freedom fighters had embraced it during the independence movement.

Personal Allegations Against the Chief Minister

Gogoi alleged that economic gains under the current administration were concentrated within one family, making claims about land purchases and business interests linked to the chief minister’s relatives. He announced that Congress plans to publish district-wise details online and said any disputed land would be reclaimed if the party returns to power.

Congress Call for Unity and Change

Reiterating Congress’s commitment to social harmony, Gogoi referenced inclusive ideals associated with Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He also recalled political shifts involving Sarma, cited remarks by Rahul Gandhi, and predicted a strong electoral wave across Assam. Congress observer Bandhu Tirkey, along with leaders including Vikas Upadhyay and MP Rakibul Hussain, urged voters to unite against what they termed corruption and syndicate rule.