“Government Talks Flyovers, But Did Nothing for Zubeen Kshetra”: Gaurav Gogoi

GUWAHATI: The second phase of the ‘Xomoy Poribortonor’ Yatra of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee intensified politically on Saturday as APCC President Gaurav Gogoi levelled a series of allegations against the BJP-led state government during the campaign in Sivasagar district.

Addressing media persons and public gatherings along the route, Gogoi accused the government of neglecting cultural icons, failing in governance, and fostering an atmosphere of fear in the state. Referring to noted singer Zubeen Garg, he alleged that the government had not shown due respect towards the artiste by failing to properly maintain Zubeen Kshetra.

“The government frequently talks about constructing flyovers, but it has done nothing significant for the development of Zubeen Kshetra. Fans and family members have had to clean and maintain the site themselves. This shows a clear failure of responsibility,” Gogoi claimed.

He further alleged that government schools are being shut down while liquor outlets are being opened in villages. Raising concerns over drugs, he claimed that narcotics are being traded openly without adequate government action. Gogoi also alleged that money is being distributed among youths for votes without monitoring its usage.

Targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi claimed that people were no longer afraid of what he termed “high-handed governance” and that the public was now ready for change. He asserted that the Congress would not spare what he described as “the most corrupt Chief Minister in Assam’s history,” though he did not provide specific evidence for the allegations.

On women-centric schemes, Gogoi alleged that many women feel uncomfortable accepting financial assistance under schemes like Orunodoi if it involves political pressure or loans. He stated that women no longer wish to remain mere beneficiaries but aspire to become self-reliant. If voted to power, he said, a Congress government would revisit policies to ensure that eligible women receive direct benefits in their bank accounts without being required to attend political meetings.

The yatra entered Sivasagar district earlier in the day, commencing from the public playground at Dimow and proceeding towards Athabari and Bakata before heading to Sivasagar town. The programme began with devotional naam, and several roadside meetings were addressed along the way. Party supporters raised slogans and sang campaign songs as the procession moved through Dimow and Sivasagar constituencies.

During the visit, the Congress delegation also offered prayers at Shri Shri Sankardev Namghar at Panibil Gomothagaon in Sivasagar district.

Gogoi personally oversaw the conduct of the yatra, interacting with local residents and addressing small gatherings at multiple points. According to party leaders, the campaign received a warm welcome from residents in various localities.

He was accompanied by Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Pradyut Bordoloi, former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora, Titabor MLA Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah, and several senior leaders and workers of the Sivasagar District Congress.

Party sources said the second phase of the ‘Xomoy Poribortonor’ Yatra will continue on Sunday in Naharkatia and Duliajan in Dibrugarh district under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, in the presence of senior party leaders.

Also Read: Assam Congress Chief Gaurav Gogoi May Contest From Jorhat Assembly Constituency!