Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, on Thursday intensified his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, targeting both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He alleged that governance in Assam is being controlled from Delhi and influenced by external and corporate interests.
Addressing a large rally, Gandhi described Assam as a diverse state with multiple communities, identities, and cultures that deserve equal participation in decision-making. He contrasted this with what he termed the BJP’s centralised model of governance, which he said concentrates power among a select few at the top.
He accused the BJP of promoting corruption and favouring corporate groups. Gandhi alleged that the government had allotted 7,000 bighas of land to Patanjali and 18,000 bighas to the Adani Group, calling such decisions unprecedented and detrimental to farmers. He also claimed that India’s agricultural and foreign trade policies, including oil imports, are being influenced by the United States.
Gandhi outlined several welfare proposals, including a one-time financial assistance of ₹50,000 for every woman and a new health insurance scheme covering diabetes, cancer, accidents, and other serious illnesses, with coverage of up to ₹25 lakh.
Highlighting the significance of Article 244A, he said it empowers local communities through autonomous governance structures. He credited the Congress with ensuring that decision-making remains at the grassroots level, while warning that the BJP’s approach sidelines local voices in favour of directives from Guwahati and Delhi.
He further alleged that the state government has allocated large tracts of land to major corporate players, including those led by Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Baba Ramdev, for industrial and commercial projects. According to him, such moves threaten small farmers and local businesses, undermining balanced development.
On foreign policy, Gandhi criticised a recent India–US agreement, alleging that it compromises India’s agriculture and energy sectors while exposing the economy to external pressures. He claimed that small farmers and MSMEs are especially vulnerable under such arrangements, with the country conceding significant ground without adequate returns.
Gandhi also targeted the top leadership, alleging a chain of influence from former US President Donald Trump to Narendra Modi and down to Himanta Biswa Sarma. He claimed that Modi takes direction from Trump, while the Assam Chief Minister—whom he described as a “mini Modi”—implements policies without independent judgment, prioritising central leadership over the interests of Assam’s people.
