Sarbananda Sonowal blasts Congress, bats for BJP’s good governance model

Jorhat: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal launched a scathing attack on the Congress while campaigning for the upcoming Panchayat elections on Thursday calling on voters to choose transparency over corruption. Senior BJP leader campaigned for NDA candidates addressing four election campaign meetings at Sitalpathar in Golaghat district, one meeting each in Borholla and Gharphalia in Jorhat district while addressing the fourth meeting of the day at Salkathoni in Charaideo district.

On the occasion of ‘National Panchayati Raj Day’, Sarbananda Sonowal expressed a strong resolve to build a robust Panchayati Raj system with the people and for the people of rural India. Sonowal urged every citizen to actively participate in building a ‘Viksit’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ India through a ‘strong Panchayati Raj system’, a vision that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively working towards by creating a clear path for progress.

Sarbananda Sonowal accused the Congress party of turning Panchayati Raj institutions into “dens of corruption,” alleging widespread embezzlement of welfare funds meant for the poor. “For over 55 years, Congress ruled over a regime marked by deep-rooted mis-governance, where power was repeatedly misused for political gain rather than public good. Instead of empowering rural India, the party denied basic dignity to villagers, stifling development and ignoring their voices. Panchayati Raj institutions, meant to decentralise power and bring governance closer to the people, were reduced to tools of manipulation and nepotism. This weakened the very foundations of grassroots democracy and eroded trust in public systems,” Sonowal said.

Sarbananda Sonowal credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for restoring faith in local governance through direct benefit schemes and the removal of middlemen. “This is the era of clean delivery, where governance is transparent, accountable, and rooted in the people’s welfare. Through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, funds now go straight into the accounts of beneficiaries — eliminating middlemen and corruption which exposed the inefficiencies and Congress system of corruption. Whether it’s for building homes, supporting farmers under PM-KISAN, or delivering pensions and rural development grants, every rupee reaches the intended person. This is the true spirit of Panchayati Raj —empowering villages with dignity, efficiency, and trust,” added the senior BJP leader and MP of Dibrugarh LSC, Sarbananda Sonowal. Highlighting PM Narendra Modi’s role in championing the Northeast along with Assam, Sonowal said Assam has made significant progress in rural development under the BJP-led government, citing improved infrastructure, health services, and economic inclusion. Calling the Panchayat polls a fight for “clean, people-first governance,” Sarbananda Sonowal warned that any misuse of public funds by elected representatives will be dealt with strictly.

Senior BJP Leader, Sarbananda Sonowal further said, “The BJP-led government in Assam has brought unprecedented changes, from tea gardens to every village in the state. Paved roads, electricity, housing, healthcare, and free food are all efficiently managed. Through the Panchayat elections, we aim to ensure social justice for every villagerand financial strength for every family. Since the BJP alliance formed the government in 2016, nearly 26,000 villages and 1,200 tea gardens have seen coordination and development. Funds from government schemes now directly reach beneficiaries, eliminating middlemen. Every village is becoming self-reliant, contributing to a self-reliant India. 100% of Panchayat funds must be used for the people’s benefit, and misuse will be strictly punished.”

Appealing the electorate, Sarbananda Sonowal concluded by saying, “Let us reject the politics of dynasty, nepotism and corruption, and instead embrace a Panchayati Raj system that is transparent, accountable, and people-centric. Mahatma Gandhi envisioned village republics where power rests with the people, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar laid the constitutional foundation for local self-governance to ensure social justice and inclusion. This Panchayat elections, it is our opportunity to add strength to these ideas. By voting wisely, we can build Panchayats that truly empower every family, uplift the marginalized, and realize the dream of a just, equitable, and selfreliant rural India,” stated a press release.

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