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Summary:

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi has accused the BJP-led Assam government, headed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, of authoritarianism. Speaking at a mass convention in Dibrugarh, Gogoi stated the upcoming Assembly elections would be a battle between the people of Assam and the “ruler” (referring to the government). He criticized the government for suppressing dissent and using welfare schemes as a tool for political control. He also accused the BJP of employing divisive tactics based on religion and ethnicity to maintain power. Gogoi emphasized the need for unity among the people and opposition parties to defeat the BJP. He also highlighted Assam’s poor performance in welfare compared to the Chief Minister’s personal wealth. He further claimed that opposition alliance is 100% certain for the election.

News Article:

Assam Congress Leader Accuses State Government of Authoritarianism Ahead of Elections

Dibrugarh, January 3, 2026 – As Assam gears up for Assembly elections likely to be held in March-April, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi has launched a scathing attack on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, accusing it of running an authoritarian regime.

Speaking at a ‘Gana Abhibarthan’ (mass convention) organized by the Dibrugarh District Citizens’ Forum on Friday, January 2nd, 2025, Gogoi declared that the upcoming elections would be a fight between the people of Assam and the “ruler.” He claimed the BJP-led coalition was stifling dissent, a crucial element in a democracy.

“This election will be between the people of Assam and the raja (ruler),” Gogoi stated, drawing parallels between the current administration and autocratic monarchies. He criticized the government’s approach to welfare schemes, alleging they were being used to control citizens. “If you want to receive benefits, you cannot belong to another party, cannot attend another party’s meeting, cannot question or criticize. This is their behavior, this is their arrogance,” he said.

Gogoi further accused the BJP of employing divisive tactics based on religion, language, and ethnicity. He warned against the government’s attempts to fracture unity and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

Taking aim at Chief Minister Sarma, Gogoi said, “While Assam should be among the top five states in welfare, it is instead among the bottom five. On the other hand, the CM has managed to enter the list of the richest chief ministers in India.”

Gogoi asserted that an alliance among various opposition parties is guaranteed. He stressed the need for unity among opposition parties and asserted that “This election is not party versus party, nor opposition versus BJP. It will be between the people of Assam and the ruler.”

Several opposition leaders, including Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, were present at the convention. The elections are expected to be hotly contested.

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