Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati

Guwahati, Feb 24: The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday, accusing it of failing the state on multiple fronts, including law and order, corruption, and unemployment. The party particularly criticized the recent violent incidents, including an assault on its MP Rakibul Hussain, and marked the nine-year rule of the BJP in Assam as “inefficient and incompetent.”

Jitendra Singh, Congress in-charge for Assam, expressed concern over the growing violence in the state, stating: “As Prime Minister Modi embarks on his visit to Assam, the state is already grappling with multiple violent incidents. Just four days ago, BJP goons brutally attacked our Lok Sabha MP, Rakibul Hussain, in a busy marketplace, and even assaulted the police officers assigned to his security.” Singh also highlighted a previous incident where BJP supporters clashed with Assam police without facing any arrests.

He went on to criticize the state government, calling the BJP's nine-year rule in Assam "corrupt, inefficient, incompetent, rogue, and divisive." Singh added that the law and order situation in the state had worsened, largely due to the rising unemployment rate during the BJP's tenure.

The Congress also targeted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over corruption allegations, focusing on the rapid rise of his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, as a business tycoon. The party questioned how she managed to acquire multiple tea gardens and expand her business ventures, including a news portal, a fast-food chain, and an international school, in just four years. Additionally, Congress pointed out that her company allegedly received a central subsidy of Rs 10 crore and accused the Chief Minister’s family of being involved in land scams.

Singh further addressed the issue of illegal coal mining in the state, which continues despite a ban by the National Green Tribunal. He highlighted the tragic death of nine workers in an illegal mining operation in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district, and implicated local authorities in the ongoing illegal mining activities. The Congress leader also referenced a 2021 report that revealed widespread illegal mining in the Digboi forest division, which had led to several fatal accidents.

In conclusion, Congress demanded accountability from the BJP-led state government, pointing to the growing list of issues plaguing Assam under its rule.