From Our Correspondent
Biswanath, Assam: Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi addressed a large public gathering in Biswanath today, launching a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while highlighting Congress’s vision of unity and welfare ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections.
Accompanied by senior Congress leaders including Gaurav Gogoi and alliance candidates, Gandhi greeted the crowd and praised Assam’s rich heritage. He described the state as the land of Srimanta Sankardev, Gopinath Bordoloi, Bhupen Hazarika, Ajan Pir, Tarun Gogoi, and Zubeen Garg — leaders and icons who dedicated their lives to uniting people with love and harmony, never spreading hatred or division.
“Zubeen Garg spent his entire life connecting Assam. He never spoke rudely, abused, or threatened anyone. This is the true culture of Assam,” Gandhi said, drawing applause.
Strong Criticism of the Chief Minister
Gandhi called Himanta Biswa Sarma “India’s most corrupt Chief Minister,” the one who spreads the most hatred, and the one who makes the most absurd statements. He alleged that Sarma’s frequent controversial remarks stem from fear.
“Like a deer in the jungle that cannot sleep fearing the tiger, your Chief Minister cannot sleep at night. He knows Congress’s babbar shers (brave lions) will put him in jail,” Gandhi remarked. He warned that no matter how much Sarma “jumps around” now, legal action would follow once Congress forms the government. “Apologies will not help. Action will be taken,” he added, asserting that the people of Assam would not spare him.
Allegations of Corporate Land Grab
The Congress leader accused Sarma, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, of turning Assam into an “ATM” for big corporates. He claimed vast tracts of land belonging to farmers and the people of Assam have been handed over:
18,000 bighas to Adani Solar
13,000 bighas to Ambani
6,000 bighas for Adani thermal project
1,400 bighas for Adani power storage
60,000 bighas to Baba Ramdev
Gandhi alleged this was not free but in exchange for financial support, media backing, and political favours to the BJP. “This is Assam’s land, not Adani’s or Ambani’s. The most corrupt syndicate has snatched it from the people,” he charged.
He also referenced U.S. developments, including cases against Adani and past remarks by Donald Trump on Modi, suggesting close corporate-political links.
Congress Promises for Assam
Gandhi reminded the crowd of unfulfilled BJP promises from the previous election — ST status for six communities, ₹500 gas cylinders, ₹15 lakh in accounts, and ₹350 daily wages for tea garden workers. He contrasted this with Congress guarantees:
ST/SC status for the six communities.
₹450 daily wage for tea garden workers.
Unconditional monthly cash transfer to every woman’s account.
₹50,000 seed money for women starting small businesses.
Conversion of Eksonia Patta to permanent miyadi patta for 10 lakh people.
₹1,250 monthly pension for senior citizens and a dedicated ministry for their welfare.
New health insurance scheme providing up to ₹25 lakh per family for serious illnesses like cancer or heart issues.
He also promised justice in the Zubeen Garg case within 100 days of forming the government.
Emphasis on Unity
Gandhi stressed that Assam’s real strength lies in its diversity — different communities, languages, religions, and tribes living together with brotherhood (bhaichara) and love. He said Congress’s ideology matches that of Zubeen Garg and Sankardev: spreading love instead of hate.
Recalling the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s message of opening a “shop of love in the market of hatred,” he urged the people to give massive support to Congress and its alliance partners.
In a direct message to the Chief Minister, Gandhi said: “Speak as much as you want and spread as much hate as you want in the remaining days. But action will be taken — today or tomorrow. The people of Assam will not spare you.”
The rally has intensified the election campaign in Assam, with Congress projecting itself as a party of unity, justice, and pro-people policies.
