Launching a strong critique of the Assam government ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday alleged that the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is focusing on publicity and political gains rather than addressing the real concerns of the people.
Addressing a press conference at Hotel Lily in Guwahati during his organisational visit to the state, Khera, Chairman of the Media and Communications Department of the All India Congress Committee, said the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government has begun announcing a series of initiatives only as elections approach. These include financial assistance of Rs 9,000 for women, inauguration of flyovers, and announcements regarding wages for tea garden workers.
Drawing an analogy with students preparing for examinations at the last moment, Khera remarked that several final examinations, including matriculation exams, are currently underway in Assam. He said students who neglect studies throughout the year often begin serious preparation only a few days before the exams, adding that the state government now appears to be acting in a similar manner as elections near.
Khera also criticised the government for allegedly circulating AI-generated images on social media to showcase improvements in Assam’s road infrastructure. He claimed that despite such promotional efforts, the condition of roads in the state remains a major concern for citizens.
The Congress leader further questioned the handling of a case involving noted singer Zubeen Garg, pointing out that although authorities claimed to have filed a strong charge sheet, the court eventually ordered the unfreezing of the accused’s bank account.
Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Khera said that under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and its allies are working towards forming the next government in Assam. He said the Congress aims to introduce a “new Assam model” focused on inclusive growth and benefits for every section of society, contrasting it with what he described as a development model that benefits only a select few.
Khera also raised questions about the Chief Minister’s frequent late-night visits to Bhubaneswar in Odisha, alleging that investments linked to him exist both within Assam and abroad. He further criticised the government for what he described as excessive spending on publicity, claiming that over Rs 500 crore is spent annually on banners and promotional campaigns featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister.
Highlighting what he termed a pattern of political betrayal, Khera referred to developments involving former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. He also criticised the renaming of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, stating that such decisions disregard historical legacy.
During the interaction, Khera also questioned reports that Sarma had met cleric Maulana Dewan Mohammad Saidur Rahman Sisti Saidabadi in Dhaka before joining the BJP, alleging that the cleric played a role in influencing that decision.
On political alliances, Khera said the Congress organisation in Assam remains strong but added that alliances are sometimes necessary to counter a party that enjoys significant financial resources and administrative power. Referring to a recent social media post by Gaurav Gogoi regarding Raijor Dal, he remarked that it contained punctuation marks but “no full stop yet,” suggesting that discussions on political cooperation are still ongoing.
Commenting on the national political landscape, Khera said the influence of what he called the “Modi magic” appears to be fading in several states. Explaining why voters should support Congress, he likened the party to a trusted and long-standing shop known for honesty and reliability, in contrast to newer options that may appear attractive but fail to deliver lasting value.
The press conference was attended by senior Vice-Presidents of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, former MLAs Pranoy Rabha and Naba Talukdar, and Social Media Department Chairman Rituparna Konwar. The session was conducted by Bedabrat Bora, Chairman of the Media and Communications Department of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.
