SIVASAGAR: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi brought her Assam election campaign to Sivasagar district on Wednesday, addressing a large gathering at Mackeypore Tea Estate Puja Field before going on to hold rallies at Nazira, Khowang, and Tingkhong.
Her speeches combined a celebration of Assam's cultural legacy with pointed criticism of the ruling BJP on inflation, unemployment, and what she described as rampant corruption.
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Gandhi opened by acknowledging what she said people across India recognise about Assam — a land of self-respecting, historically conscious people with a proud role in the freedom struggle.
She paid tribute to a wide range of icons: from saint-scholars Srimanta Sankardev and Madhavdev to warrior-generals Lachit Borphukan and Chilarai, and freedom fighters Kanaklata Baruah, Bishnu Prasad Rabha, and Gopinath Bordoloi.
She also referenced Assam's tea gardens, its oil-producing belt around Nazira, and cultural figures Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg — calling Garg the voice and aspirations of the Assamese people.
Turning to the ruling government, Gandhi alleged that promises made to tea garden workers about wage increases remain unfulfilled. She said Adivasi and tribal communities have been denied Scheduled Tribe (ST) status despite repeated assurances over the years.
She also accused the state government of forcing women to attend political rallies as a condition for receiving benefits under government welfare schemes — calling it a direct misuse of power.
"Welfare schemes are a right of the people and should not come with conditions," she said.
On governance, Gandhi alleged widespread corruption, citing scams and the dominance of syndicates across multiple sectors. She claimed that public resources were being handed over to large corporations, leaving ordinary citizens to struggle.
Gandhi laid out a series of commitments should Congress return to power in the state.
Women would receive Rs 50,000 to start small businesses, along with direct cash transfers. Families would be covered by a health insurance scheme of up to Rs 25 lakh. Senior citizens would receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,250.
She also promised permanent land rights for 10 lakh landholders, and made a specific pledge to deliver justice in the Zubeen Garg case within 100 days of forming the government.
Closing her appeal, Gandhi urged voters to choose a government that delivers dignity, safety, and opportunity for future generations.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi also addressed the gathering, shining a light on the struggles faced by students in tea garden areas — many of whom, he said, are forced to drop out of school due to the inability to afford transportation. He promised free travel for students if Congress comes to power.
Gogoi also stressed the importance of a united opposition front — comprising Congress, Asom Jatiya Parishad, CPI, and other parties — to mount an effective challenge against the BJP in Assam.
The rallies were attended by several prominent leaders, including AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi, Nazira LAC candidate Debabrata Saikia, and Demow LAC candidate Ajoy Kumar Gogoi, among others.