Assam Congress chief flags ‘fear politics’, promises direct aid and improved schemes during Samay Parivartan outreach
Guwahati: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on February 28 accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of imitating the party’s grassroots campaign and allegedly forcing women to attend rallies to access welfare benefits.
Addressing meetings during the Congress-led Samay Parivartan Yatra in Sivasagar, the Indian National Congress leader said the BJP began copying the outreach after seeing its growing response across the district.
“Seeing the success of our yatra, the BJP is copying us,” Gogoi said, adding that the turnout reflected rising public dissatisfaction with the state government.
The Congress leader further alleged that women were being pressured to attend BJP programmes to continue receiving scheme benefits. If voted to power, Gogoi promised that Congress would review and improve welfare schemes and transfer assistance directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts without political conditions.Citing the Orunodoi scheme, which provides Rs 1,250 monthly aid, he said welfare must empower citizens rather than serve as leverage.
Targeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi accused the government of practising fear and intimidation politics and claimed voters were ready for change and a progressive “Natun Bor Asom.”
Gogoi additionally criticised the neglect of late singer Zubeen Garg’s memorial site, saying families and fans were maintaining it themselves.
Senior leaders Debabrata Saikia and Pradyut Bordoloi joined the yatra as Congress intensified its mobilisation ahead of the Assembly elections.
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