Pawan Khera, Congress leader and Chairman of the Media & Publicity Department of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), addressed a press conference in Barpeta, launching a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ahead of the Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, Khera described the BJP’s election manifesto as “copied and discarded,” alleging that only the dates had been changed while key public concerns remained unaddressed.
He said the Congress manifesto was prepared after consulting people from various sections of society and promised time-bound implementation. Khera also assured that justice for the late Zubeen Garg would be delivered within 100 days if the party comes to power, while expressing dissatisfaction over the current Chief Minister’s alleged inaction.
Questioning the BJP government’s performance, he asked what had been achieved over the past decade despite promises such as establishing 500-bed medical facilities in every district. He added that the Congress has proposed a health insurance scheme offering coverage of up to ₹25 lakh.
Khera also highlighted infrastructure gaps in Barpeta, stating that the region still lacks a railway station and a university. He accused the government of encouraging land mafia activities, alleging that 12,000 bighas of land had been misappropriated, and warned that those responsible would face action if Congress assumes power.
Targeting the Chief Minister directly, Khera said employment would be ensured for all except one, stressing that Sarma should be “removed” by voters on April 9. He further pledged an investigation into government land allotments linked to the Chief Minister’s family members, with action to follow if irregularities are found.
Among other promises, he mentioned strict regulation of private industrial land, special initiatives for tea garden workers, and a monthly pension of ₹1,250 for senior citizens. Khera also criticised what he described as the ruling party’s “politics of hate” and spoke on issues related to candidate selection and election campaigning in Assam.
On foreign policy, Khera took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that India has faced setbacks under his leadership. He referred to tensions between Iran and Israel, and alleged a lack of official response following the reported death of Ayatollah Khamenei.
