Guwahati, 24 March (HS): Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), on Tuesday accused CM Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of running a “family-controlled government” and fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the state.

Addressing the media, Gogoi alleged that under Sarma’s leadership, governance in Assam has moved away from accountability and transparency. He claimed that the BJP-led government is no longer functioning on democratic principles and has instead become a system “of the family, by the family, and for the family.” He further accused the leadership of centralizing power and prioritizing personal interests over public welfare.

The Congress leader also alleged that the current administration relies on intimidation to maintain its hold on power. He claimed that people are being arrested even for social media posts, asserting that such practices do not reflect the true spirit of Assam or its people. Describing the upcoming Assembly elections as a fight for the people of Assam, Gogoi said the Congress aims to restore a government driven by public priorities, where decisions on expenditure and policies are based on citizens’ needs rather than political interests.

Gogoi further questioned the presence of several former Congress leaders in the BJP, alleging that individuals once criticized for their work have now joined the party under Sarma’s leadership. He claimed that the BJP’s state unit is increasingly filled with former Congress faces and alleged that the party has lost its original grassroots identity in Assam.---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash