Guwahati: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, campaigned in Assam on April 2, holding large public meetings in Bokajan, Karbi Anglong, and Titabor, in Jorhat district.
He told supporters the upcoming state elections are a choice between the values of Zubeen Garg and the “arrogance and divisive approach” of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
During the Bokajan rally, Gandhi released the Congress election manifesto and promised that if his party wins, Article 244(A) would be fully implemented to give Karbi Anglong greater autonomy. “We will ensure your rights are in your hands. Decisions will come from here, not Guwahati,” he said, underlining his commitment to fulfilling promises.
He criticized both the central and state BJP governments for threatening local autonomy and indigenous rights. “Assam is home to many communities and traditions, and each should have space to thrive,” Gandhi said, claiming the administration prioritizes corporate interests over local governance.
Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Sarma of treating Assam like a “land ATM” by handing land to private companies. He vowed that a Congress government would stop this immediately.
At Titabor, Gandhi called Sarma one of the most corrupt chief ministers in India. He alleged that large tracts of land were given to Adani, Ambani, and Patanjali for commercial projects, and said the state is being run like a syndicate controlled from Delhi.
“Apologies won’t erase the harm done to the people,” Gandhi said, echoing Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president (APCC) Gaurav Gogoi. He warned that Sarma will ultimately face accountability for corruption, no matter how much he protests.
On international matters, Gandhi suggested that Donald Trump has influence over Modi and claimed that Sarma acts under Delhi’s direction. He also warned that US trade deals, requiring purchases worth roughly Rs 9 lakh crore annually, could hurt small businesses and farmers, describing this as “policies favoring corporations over people.”
Gandhi cited Assam’s cultural icons, including Srimanta Sankardev, Bhupen Hazarika, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, and Zubeen Garg, as examples of unity and compassion. He said these values are the opposite of Sarma’s politics, which he described as based on fear and division.
He also promised a 100-day investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death if Congress comes to power, pledging strict action against those responsible. Gandhi listed five major pledges for voters: financial help for women, land ownership for indigenous people, pensions and a ministry for senior citizens, and health insurance coverage up to Rs 25 lakh.
APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi joined Gandhi at both rallies and criticized Assam’s politics for being dominated by syndicates dealing in coal, cattle, and other industries. He said the BJP favors people linked to these networks while ignoring genuine leaders, noting that the syndicate system has roots in the Congress era but has grown under BJP rule.
“This election is about cleaning up Assam’s politics, which has been weakened by corruption and authoritarian practices,” Gogoi said.
Other attendees at the rallies included APHLC leader Jhon Ingti Kathar, who highlighted Karbi Anglong’s demand for autonomy, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh, and AICC Secretary Vikas Upadhyay. Candidates from Congress and its alliance in Bokajan and Titabor were also present.
Rahul Gandhi called the rallies the peak of an active campaign, following visits by AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Priyanka Gandhi.
As Assam prepares for the April 9 Assembly polls, he called on voters to choose a government that prioritizes local people over Delhi’s interference and corruption.