Gaurav Gogoi’s Big Assam Pitch: Early Signs of a Congress Resurgence?

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) will launch a statewide mass outreach programme titled ‘Raijor Padulit Raijor Congress’ from December 20, with the party’s entire legislative and parliamentary leadership set to engage directly with people across Assam, APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi said on Tuesday.

Addressing the media, Gogoi said every Congress MP and MLA will visit grassroots communities, and the programme aims to cover every village in the state. He described the initiative as part of the party’s broader vision to build a “new and progressive Assam” through public participation.

As part of the outreach, the Congress has launched a dedicated website — www.natunaxom.com — to invite suggestions and feedback from citizens on governance, development and public policy.

Allegations Against BJP on Higher Education

Gogoi alleged that the BJP has damaged the higher education ecosystem in Assam by appointing individuals aligned with the ruling party in universities and academic institutions.

“The BJP has pushed higher education towards destruction. Congress will consult students and young citizens to understand how the sector can be reclaimed and protected from political interference,” he said.

Seat-Sharing and Alliances

On seat-sharing and alliance talks, Gogoi said such discussions cannot be held in public forums or in front of cameras.

“These decisions are taken collectively. Discussions on seat-sharing have already taken place within the party,” he said.

He also categorically ruled out any alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), stating that the possibility of a Congress-AIUDF alliance is zero.

BJP Workers’ Discontent

Gogoi claimed that dissatisfaction is growing within the BJP’s own ranks.

“Many BJP workers have not benefited from their government. Several party workers are yet to receive land pattas,” he alleged.

Remarks on BJP Leadership

The Congress leader alleged that the BJP leadership in Delhi is fearful of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, and that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is insecure about the Congress’s growing political momentum in the state.

He further accused the BJP of systematically attempting to damage the public image of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi through political attacks.

On Zubeen Garg Case

On the issue of justice for singer Zubeen Garg, Gogoi said that a chargesheet has already been filed in court, but expressed reservations over the investigation.

“An investigation can be expected, but there are serious doubts regarding how fair and accurate it has been. Many questions have already been raised about the chargesheet, and several senior legal experts have expressed reservations,” he said.

Congress Leaders Joining BJP

Responding to questions about Congress leaders joining the BJP ahead of elections, Gogoi described it as a common pre-election trend.

“At the same time, Congress has been running a structured joining programme on the 10th of every month. Several capable leaders with strong grassroots experience have recently joined the Congress,” he said.

SIT Allegations

On repeated allegations linked to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), Gogoi said the Chief Minister has been making the same allegations for over a year without producing any evidence.

“He has failed to provide proof. It is certain that he will lose the Chief Minister’s chair,” Gogoi said.

Prime Minister’s Assam Visit

Referring to the Prime Minister’s visit to Assam, Gogoi demanded clarity on pending tribal status issues.

“The Prime Minister must explain why tribal status was not granted even after six months, and why the bill was not passed despite being introduced in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.

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