Fri Feb 06 10:39:56 UTC 2026: # Congress Launches “Save Land, Save Race” Rally in Assam, Targets Chief Minister Over Land Acquisition

The Story:
The Indian National Congress has launched a “Mati Bachao, Jati Bachao” (Save Land, Save Race) rally in Assam, directly challenging the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the lead-up to the state assembly elections in April-May 2026. The rally, led by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi and other key Congress leaders, accuses Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family of corruption and illegal land acquisition. The campaign specifically targets the Chief Minister’s family’s alleged ownership of nearly 3,970 acres of land.

Key Points:

  • The Congress rally is a direct response to the BJP’s “Jati, Mati, Bheti” campaign that helped them gain power a decade ago.
  • The rally accuses Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma‘s family of owning nearly 3,970 acres of land.
  • Congress leaders protested outside media offices and commercial properties allegedly linked to the Chief Minister’s family.
  • The Congress campaign is intended to restore good governance, protect land rights, and promote peace, unity, and social harmony in Assam.
  • Gaurav Gogoi criticized the Chief Minister for closing government schools while his wife allegedly opened a luxurious private school.

Critical Analysis:
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Key Takeaways:

  • The Congress is attempting to frame the upcoming Assam elections around issues of land ownership and corruption, directly attacking the Chief Minister’s credibility.
  • The use of the “Mati Bachao, Jati Bachao” slogan signals an attempt to connect with Assamese identity and anxieties about land rights, mirroring the BJP’s successful strategy from a decade ago.
  • The focus on the Chief Minister’s family’s alleged land ownership suggests a strategy to personalize the corruption allegations and make them more relatable to voters.
  • The timing of the rally signifies the formal start to the Congress’s election campaign for the April-May 2026 elections.
  • The protests at media outlets suggest concerns about fair coverage and a desire to put public pressure on organizations perceived to be aligned with the Chief Minister.

Impact Analysis:
The success of the Congress’s “Mati Bachao, Jati Bachao” campaign will significantly influence the outcome of the April-May 2026 Assam Assembly elections. If the Congress can successfully convince voters that the Chief Minister’s family has improperly benefited from their position, it could erode the BJP’s support base. Conversely, if the BJP can effectively counter these allegations, it could solidify its hold on power in the state. The focus on land rights and corruption could also have broader implications for governance and accountability in Assam, regardless of the election outcome.

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