Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday alleged that the Assam government was looting the wealth of the Assamese people and handing it over to big industrialists and “one particular family”. She said the Assam Chief Minister was indulging in polarising politics and dividing people. Instead, she added, he should explain to the people of Assam what he had done over the past five years and what he planned to do next.
Speaking to reporters at the end of her two-day visit to the state, the Congress leader said her party was committed to “positive and constructive politics” aimed at protecting Assam’s culture, identity and traditions. In contrast, she alleged, others were engaging in politics of hate, polarisation and personal attacks against political opponents.
Replying to a question on the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, Ms Vadra said the issue should not be politicised as it was an emotional matter for the people of the state. She described Garg as “the voice of Assam’s soul” and said the deep love and emotional connection people felt for him were evident. “He sang for harmony, love, culture and the identity of Assam. He was above politics,” she said, adding that paying her respects to him had been an emotional moment for her as well.
The senior Congress leader said Assam had been witnessing “violent and aggressive remarks every day”, which she described as contrary to the state’s culture and traditions. “This is not our culture. Zubeen stood for unity and harmony,” she said.
Alleging that certain leaders were indulging in petty politics, she referred to what she described as the targeting of Gaurav Gogoi and his family over baseless allegations. “People of Assam understand why he is being attacked. They are scared of him,” she claimed.
On Rahul Gandhi appearing in a court case in Uttar Pradesh, Ms Vadra said actions by agencies such as the ED and the Income Tax department had been taking place for a long time. “For us, ED and IT cases are like a badge of honour,” she said, adding that Gogoi was facing similar harassment in Assam.
The Congress general secretary urged the Assam Chief Minister to clarify what he had done for the people during his tenure and outline his future plans, rather than engaging in divisive politics. Stating that young people wanted jobs and development, she expressed confidence that voters would not be misled by propaganda. She appealed to the people of Assam to choose constructive and positive politics over hate and polarisation.