With a call to unseat the Himanta government, the “three Gogois” shared the stage with MP Priyanka Gandhi at a massive rally in Khowang
By Dalim Phukan
Guwahati/ Assam, Apr 1 : In a show of unity against corruption, falsehood, and misgovernance under the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, the “three Gogois” came together at election rallies in Nazira, Tingkhong, and Khowang to generate a political wave in Upper Assam.
At a massive gathering in Khowang, Gaurav Gogoi, Akhil Gogoi, and Lurinjyoti Gogoi shared the stage with MP Priyanka Gandhi, seeking the blessings of the people. Similar large gatherings were also held in Nazira and Tingkhong, where Gaurav Gogoi and Akhil Gogoi jointly participated alongside Priyanka Gandhi.
Addressing the rallies, Priyanka Gandhi spoke extensively on the prevailing political situation and the everyday challenges faced by ordinary citizens, sharply criticising the policies of the ruling party. Engaging directly with the audience in simple language, she encouraged people to reflect critically through questions and reasoning.
She began by asking people to assess what positive changes had occurred in their lives over the past five years. “Think about the last five years—has your life improved? The truth is, it has not. Your hardships, crises, and problems have only increased,” she said.
Highlighting the issue of rising prices, she remarked that inflation has made daily life increasingly difficult, forcing families to think multiple times before making purchases, worrying about healthcare costs, and struggling with educational expenses for their children.
Raising concerns about unemployment, she questioned how many educated youth actually have jobs, noting that many are still unemployed and are compelled to migrate outside Assam in search of work. She emphasised that despite Assam’s rich natural resources—tourism, minerals, and oil—mismanagement over the past decade has prevented real progress.
Speaking on the plight of tea garden workers, she pointed out that women labourers continue to work tirelessly under harsh conditions without adequate wages or basic facilities, and still face severe healthcare challenges.
On the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities, she questioned the ruling party’s delay, asking why promises made during previous elections remain unfulfilled and are being repeated again.
Priyanka Gandhi also accused ruling party leaders of corruption and self-interest, stating that while public hardships have increased, the wealth of those in power has grown. She described the current election as a decisive battle for reclaiming people’s rights and alleged that politics of fear and intimidation is prevailing in the state.
Referring to welfare schemes, she alleged that beneficiaries are being politically pressured, asserting that such funds belong to the people, not to any political party. She further claimed that public resources, including land and natural wealth, are being handed over to select industrialists at the expense of citizens.
She also spoke about suppression of dissent, citing the example of Akhil Gogoi, and alleged that those who raise questions face intimidation and imprisonment. Drawing a metaphor, she compared such leadership to a bully who instills fear but retreats when confronted.
Invoking Assam’s legacy, she said the state has a rich tradition of courage, unity, and humanity, and called upon citizens to safeguard their identity, culture, and rights. She emphasised that employment, education, fair wages, and price stability are fundamental rights of the people.
Referring to Zubeen Garg, she acknowledged his influence and emotional connect with the people of Assam, stating that he represented their voice and values of love, unity, and cultural pride. She reiterated, “Ensuring justice for Zubeen Garg is our duty, and it is beyond politics.”
In her concluding remarks, she outlined the Congress party’s five guarantees aimed at bringing tangible improvements to people’s lives. These include direct financial assistance to women, support for small businesses, free healthcare coverage up to ₹25 lakh per family, land rights for indigenous people, and financial support for senior citizens. She also stated that steps would be taken within 100 days to ensure justice for Zubeen Garg and his family.
Speaking at the rally, APCC President Gaurav Gogoi described the election as crucial for Assam’s future, calling for the formation of a government that listens to the poor and works towards a progressive and self-reliant society. He urged voters to support change on April 9 and criticised Himanta Biswa Sarma for alleged betrayals across political and social spheres.
Similarly, Lurinjyoti Gogoi expressed confidence that an opposition alliance government would be formed in Assam and reiterated the commitment to building a new and inclusive state.
Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi delivered an impassioned speech, framing the election as a contest between Assamese nationalism and communal politics. He called for unity and urged people to support the opposition alliance for a peaceful, democratic, and progressive Assam.
The rally was also attended by senior Congress leaders including Jitendra Singh, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, former Jharkhand minister Bandhu Tirkey, and senior leader Pawan Singh Ghatowar, along with party candidates and alliance leaders from various constituencies of Upper Assam.
