Guwahati: Assam Congress in-charge and AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh on Friday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Assam government, alleging that a “mafia raj” has taken deep roots in the state, with land brokerage, cattle smuggling, and areca nut syndicates operating openly under political patronage.
Addressing the media during his visit to Guwahati, Singh referred to the viral audio clip allegedly involving Palasbari BJP MLA Hemanga Thakuria, in which commission was reportedly sought in connection with land deals.
He said the episode exposed how land brokerage and corruption had become institutionalised under the BJP regime.
“The entire state is witnessing how land is being sold through brokers linked to the ruling party. This incident has laid bare the BJP’s real face. Development has become a cover for organised loot,” Singh said.
Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Assam for the inauguration of an airport terminal, Singh alleged that the visit primarily served corporate interests. “For whom is the Prime Minister coming—Adani, Ambani, or the people of Assam? Thousands of bighas of land are being handed over to big corporates. A full-fledged mafia raj is operating,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the frequent visits of BJP leaders to Assam point to a larger plan to commercially exploit the state’s resources, rather than address the needs of its people.
Referring to the silence of the Prime Minister on popular singer Zubeen Garg, Singh said it was disappointing that a cultural icon so deeply connected with the people of Assam had not received support or acknowledgment.
He also criticised the Centre for weakening welfare schemes like MGNREGA. “Why was the scheme diluted? Why are rural workers suffering? These are the real questions,” he said.
Singh dismissed the BJP’s political outreach as cosmetic, stating that banners and hoardings cannot hide public anger. “Youth want jobs, tea garden workers want fair wages. No amount of publicity can cover up these failures,” he said.
Reacting to allegations by the Chief Minister against the Congress, Singh accused Himanta Biswa Sarma of habitual dishonesty. “Nothing he says can be taken at face value. Even if he says it is 3 pm, people will have to check their watches,” he remarked.
He also countered accusations of Congress ticket sales, saying the Chief Minister should instead explain the operations of cattle and areca nut syndicates in the state. “The BJP must answer who is protecting these rackets,” he said.
On the 2026 Assembly elections, Singh said the Congress is open to alliances with like-minded parties. Discussions are underway under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, and seat-sharing will be decided based on mutual strength and consensus. “We are prepared to fight together to save Assam,” he said.
Clarifying a recent controversy over a remark by a Congress minority leader on reservations, Singh said the comment was an individual opinion and not the party’s stand, adding that appropriate action had already been taken.
During his visit, Singh held extensive interactions with heads of 31 frontal organisations and departments of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).
The meeting was attended by APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, AICC secretary Manoj Chauhan, former MP Abdul Khaleque, Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur, and several senior party leaders and department heads.
The Congress leader later met senior general secretaries and district presidents as part of preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections, reiterating that the party’s focus would remain on governance, accountability, and safeguarding Assam’s interests.