Sivasagar MLA Launches Hunger Strike Demanding Flood Relief and Accountability

Akhil Gogoi, the MLA of Sivasagar, has initiated a hunger strike demanding immediate relief and rehabilitation for flood-affected residents in Upper Assam. Despite assurances from the Chief Minister, no financial aid has been allocated nearly two months after the disaster. Gogoi's protest aims to highlight the government's failure to support those impacted by the floods, calling for a CBI inquiry into the causes and accountability for the situation. He has criticized the proposed compensation as inadequate and warned of a larger public demonstration if demands are not met. The situation remains dire for many families still struggling to recover from the devastation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 17, 2026, 13:23 IST

Protest for Flood-Affected Communities

An aerial view of flood devastation in Upper Assam. (Photo:@himantabiswa/X)

Guwahati, Sept 17: Despite the Chief Minister's two visits to the flood-affected Sivasagar district and promises of reconstruction efforts, local MLA Akhil Gogoi has stated that no financial aid has been provided nearly two months post-disaster.

On Thursday, Gogoi initiated an eight-hour hunger strike near Janata Bhawan in Dispur, advocating for relief, compensation, and rehabilitation for residents in three districts of Upper Assam impacted by the floods.

While showcasing images of the flood damage, Gogoi began his protest at the original location but was forced to relocate due to police intervention. He later continued his hunger strike near Ganesh Mandir.

Describing the hunger strike as part of a broader democratic movement for the rights of those affected by floods and erosion, Gogoi expressed frustration over the lack of promised assistance reaching many families.

"The Chief Minister has visited Sivasagar twice, and I have personally submitted a memorandum requesting intervention for the three districts. He assured reconstruction efforts, yet no funds have been allocated for Sivasagar," Gogoi stated.

He reiterated his call for a CBI investigation into the flood causes and alleged mismanagement, demanding the resignation of Assam Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain and the arrest of local MLAs Dharmeswar Kowar and Mayur Borgohain.

"The government is attempting to conceal the truth. We seek a CBI inquiry to determine the causes and establish accountability. We demand the resignation of Sushanta Borgohain," he added.

Gogoi reported that approximately 60% of the roads in Sivasagar have been damaged and mentioned that he has contacted ONGC for used iron materials to construct temporary bridges to restore access in the affected regions.

"Residents are still unable to return home. The mud that infiltrated their houses has dried and solidified, leaving them in dire conditions. The government has not done enough to assist them in rebuilding their lives," he remarked.

He also criticized the government's compensation plan, deeming the Rs 1.2 lakh offered to affected families and shopkeepers insufficient given the extent of the damages.

"We are demanding Rs 10 lakh for those impacted, but the government has proposed a significantly lower amount, which we cannot accept. This is why we are protesting," he explained.

Gogoi referenced previous statements from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister regarding Assam's recurring flood issues, questioning the effectiveness of such assurances.

"The Prime Minister claimed Assam would become an 'A' for Assam, while the Home Minister discussed digging ponds to mitigate flooding. However, the reality on the ground is worsening in Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Jorhat," he asserted.

He warned that if the government does not heed their demands, a large public demonstration will be organized in Guwahati on September 23.

"If there is no response to our demands following today's protest, we will hold a significant public demonstration in Dispur on September 23," he declared.

Gogoi urged citizens to join the protest in support of the call for relief, rehabilitation, and accountability in the wake of the floods.