Bokajan/Titabar (Assam): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the “most corrupt CM” in the country and alleging that he, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was operating a “land ATM” in the state.
Addressing consecutive election rallies in Karbi Anglong and Jorhat districts, Gandhi accused the state government of forcibly acquiring land from local communities and handing it over to large corporates. He claimed that as much as 98,400 bighas of land had been allocated to three major corporate houses, alleging a systematic pattern of favouritism.
“India’s most corrupt CM is Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his family is also number one in corruption. The Congress government will take action against him,” Gandhi said, adding that legal proceedings would follow if his party comes to power. He further alleged that the Chief Minister was running the state through syndicates and remained under pressure from the central leadership due to corruption charges.
Gandhi asserted that not only Sarma but also his family members would face investigation. “Even if the CM seeks forgiveness, the law will take its own course,” he said, stressing accountability and promising strict action.
The Congress leader also referred to popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, describing him as a symbol of the state’s cultural diversity. Recalling Garg’s death in Singapore last year, Gandhi assured that a Congress government would deliver justice within 100 days. “He represented the spirit of Assam — multi-cultural and multi-religious,” he said.
During the rallies, Gandhi released the Congress manifesto for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, focusing on 11 key sectors including governance, identity, and healthcare. He emphasised decentralisation of power, stating that decision-making should rest with local communities rather than being controlled from Delhi.
He also criticised the BJP government for failing to fulfil its promise of raising daily wages of tea garden workers to Rs 350. On economic issues, Gandhi termed the India-US trade deal unfavourable, alleging it benefits American goods at the cost of Indian markets.
Highlighting the party’s welfare agenda, Gandhi outlined five guarantees, including a monthly financial transfer to women and Rs 50,000 assistance for those seeking to start or expand businesses.