Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday addressed a large gathering at Makipur Puja Field in Nazira, blending cultural references with pointed political criticism as she laid out her party’s vision for Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Beginning on an emotional note, Priyanka Gandhi reflected on Assam’s rich historical and cultural legacy, describing it as a land of sacrifice, creativity, and resilience. She invoked prominent figures such as Kanaklata Barua, Srimanta Sankardev, and Lakshminath Bezbarua, while also highlighting the global identity of Assam’s tea industry.
She expressed pride in the legacy of the Ahom civilisation and paid tribute to cultural icons like Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, noting that Garg’s passing had left a deep emotional impact on people across the state.
Turning to political issues, Priyanka Gandhi criticised the ruling BJP government, accusing it of failing to address key concerns affecting the public. She highlighted stagnant wages in the tea garden sector and rising prices of essential commodities, stating that economic hardship continues despite years of BJP governance.
She also raised questions about the implementation of welfare schemes, alleging that beneficiaries, particularly women, face conditions and pressure in accessing government support. Stressing that public funds belong to the people, she said governance should not function through coercion or arbitrary measures.
Addressing governance and accountability, she pointed to concerns such as school closures, lack of transparency, and unresolved financial scandals, including the Saradha chit fund case. She further raised issues of public safety, stating that corruption erodes the sense of security citizens expect from the government.
In a sharp political remark, Priyanka Gandhi took aim at the BJP’s “double-engine government” narrative, arguing that instead of faster development, people are facing “double hardship.” She also targeted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, portraying him as overly reliant on central leadership.
Outlining Congress’s roadmap, she focused on welfare and social security measures. Key promises included financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for women to support small businesses, health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh, and free medical treatment for citizens, citing similar initiatives in Congress-ruled states like Rajasthan.
Framing the party’s agenda as transformative, Priyanka Gandhi said a change in government would usher in a “new Assam,” drawing inspiration from the ideals and cultural legacy associated with figures like Zubeen Garg.
