With Union Home Minister Amit Shah arriving in Assam, the Congress party launched a fierce critique of the BJP government’s decade-long rule in the state. The party raised ten sharp questions that challenge the BJP’s governance and policies, accusing it of leaving the people of Assam and the entire Northeast region “politically orphaned.” Pawan Khera, head of Congress’s media and publicity department, welcomed Shah’s visit but pointed out that the BJP has largely ignored the hardships and aspirations of the Northeast during its tenure. Khera urged Shah to seek answers from his own political disciple, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been at the center of many of the controversies and challenges faced by the state.
Unfulfilled Promises and Land Alienation Concerns
At the heart of the Congress’s attack is the persistent delay in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities in Assam, including Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia, and the Tea Tribes/Adivasi. Khera highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised ST status within six months, while Sarma had promised it within five years. However, even after 12 years, the communities are still waiting for this recognition. The Congress also accused the government of facilitating the large-scale alienation of indigenous land, alleging that around 1.5 lakh bighas of land belonging to Assam’s indigenous people have been sold to cronies. Khera questioned why Sarma was allegedly given free rein in these matters and raised concerns about employment and migration, lamenting that many Assamese youths are forced to migrate to other states where they face discrimination.
Threats to Assamese Identity and Economic Sectors
The Congress’s criticism extended to the erosion of Assamese cultural and demographic identity. Khera questioned the disappearance of lakhs of indigenous voters from electoral rolls and blamed the government for failing to protect the state’s unique heritage. He also drew attention to the tea sector, a vital part of Assam’s economy, questioning why there is still no minimum support price (MSP) for tea cultivators. According to Congress, the BJP appears to be influenced by big tea companies, neglecting the welfare of small growers. The party further raised serious concerns over healthcare infrastructure, accusing the state government of neglect. Khera asked why, despite ten years in power, Assam still lags behind in healthcare facilities. Additionally, the worsening water quality and environmental issues were highlighted, with Khera demanding concrete action to address these problems.
Regional Security and Political Isolation Under BJP Rule
Broader issues affecting Assam and the entire Northeast region were also brought into focus by the Congress. Khera accused the BJP government of betraying its own slogan “Jati, Mati, Bheti” — meaning community, land, and hearth — by weakening the community, allowing land sales, and betraying the homeland. He questioned why the people of Assam and the Northeast remain politically marginalized despite a decade under BJP rule. Linking Assam’s security challenges to India’s foreign policy failures, Khera alleged that the central government’s missteps have pushed Bangladesh closer to China, creating new security and humanitarian risks for Assam. As the BJP prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, Congress pledged to continue holding the party accountable and demanded answers from Amit Shah during his visit. Shah’s arrival in Dibrugarh was marked by a warm reception from Chief Minister Sarma and other state leaders, signaling the BJP’s determination to retain power in the region.
