Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Congress, asserted that the administration led by Himanta Biswa Sarma was operating under an authoritarian system and that the state's next Assembly elections will be a conflict between the people and the "raja" (ruler).
He said that the BJP-led coalition government was taking away people's right to criticism, which is an essential component of democracy.
Speaking at a "Gana Abhibarthan" (mass gathering) hosted here by the Dibrugarh District Citizens' Forum on Friday, January 2, 2025, Mr. Gogoi stated, "This election will be between the people of Assam and the raja (ruler)," as the state enters election mode.
Elections for the assembly are probably going to take place in March or April. Elections for the assembly are probably going to take place in March or April.
Without the ability to ask questions, democracy cannot exist. The public has a right to know what the government is doing in the areas of infrastructure, education, and health.
However, this government is unwilling to give the people more power. Their political philosophy is similar to that of ancient monarchs. "They have installed a raja in every state where they are in power, and there is a maharaja sitting in Delhi," Mr. Gogoi stated.
In order to present an image of benevolence, the Congress leader compared the government's welfare programs to a monarch periodically giving goodies to the subjects.
"Every government has an obligation to distribute public funds through schemes. However, we are witnessing the attachment of circumstances this time.
You cannot be a member of another party, attend meetings of another party, or ask questions or offer criticism if you wish to obtain benefits. He criticized the Sarma-led government by saying, "This is their behavior, this is their arrogance."
"Those sitting in Delhi and Dispur cannot sit there forever," Mr. Gogoi remarked, accusing the BJP of controlling the government through coercion and threats.
These leaders could be overthrown in an instant if the populace banded together and became vigilant. However, the populace must band together for it. Mr. Gogoi claimed that the administration uses divisive tactics whenever people try to come together.
"Sometimes in the name of religion, sometimes language, sometimes Upper Assam-Lower Assam, Karbi and non-Karbi, Bodo and non-Bodo, Mising and Ahom, Moran and Chutia, the BJP tries to destroy unity by creating divisions," he stated.
Mr. Gogoi additionally stated, "Conscious citizens must create awareness so that common people can understand these conspiracies."
"Assam should be among the top five states in welfare, but it is among the bottom five," Mr. Gogoi added, taking a jab at the chief minister. However, the chief minister has made it onto the list of India's wealthiest chief ministers.
The deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha added that there is no doubt that different opposition parties will form an alliance.
"Everyone is necessary. Everyone needs to come together. Neither the opposition nor the BJP are facing off in this election. "It will be between the Assamese people and the ruler," he insisted.
Leaders of the opposition were also present at the convention, including Raijor Dal general secretary Dhairya Konwar and Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi.
