Guwahati: Raijor Dal leader and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi has criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the state government’s handling of the recent floods, alleging that no dedicated relief package has been provided by the government so far.
Gogoi claimed that the financial assistance reaching flood-affected families had been routed through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), rather than being part of a separate relief programme announced by the state government.
According to the Sivasagar MLA, the distinction was important as the CMRF should not be presented as a substitute for a dedicated government relief package for flood victims.
Gogoi also alleged that Sarma had not made a personal monetary contribution towards flood relief. He accused the chief minister of showing disrespect towards people who had voluntarily contributed money and resources to assist families affected by the floods.
The Raijor Dal chief further stepped up his criticism by accusing Sarma of adopting an authoritarian style of governance.
He also questioned a recent directive issued by the chief minister to the Assam Police, arguing that executive orders must remain within the framework of the Constitution and cannot acquire the force of law merely because they are issued by the head of the government.
Gogoi maintained that constitutional provisions, rather than the authority of an individual office-holder, form the basis of governance in a democratic system.
His comments come as the state continues to deal with the impact of the latest wave of flooding, with relief, compensation and rehabilitation remaining key political issues in Assam.
The opposition has increasingly questioned the scale and delivery of assistance to affected communities, while the government has been undertaking relief and response measures across flood-hit districts.
There was no immediate response from the Assam government specifically addressing Gogoi’s latest allegations.