Assam CM Criticizes Akhil Gogoi's Flood Relief Claims

In Assam, a political clash has erupted between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and MLA Akhil Gogoi over flood relief efforts. Sarma accused Gogoi of attempting to take credit for government assistance to flood-affected families. Gogoi, in response, staged a sit-in protest demanding immediate financial aid and compensation for those impacted by the July 19 disaster. He criticized the Chief Minister for making empty promises and vowed to seek a direct commitment regarding his demands. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding disaster relief in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 2, 2026, 14:24 IST

Political Tensions Over Flood Relief in Assam

Akhil Gogoi in front of Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday (Image Source)

Guwahati, Oct 2: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, has accused Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi of resorting to what he termed 'Class V-VI politics' regarding flood relief efforts. Sarma claimed that Gogoi is trying to take undue credit for the government's initiatives aimed at assisting families affected by flooding in Upper Assam.

According to Sarma, Gogoi is aware that the government is set to provide relief and is positioning himself to claim credit for it. He mentioned that teachers are currently conducting surveys, identifying 55,000 families eligible for assistance. Sarma stated, 'His sole aim is to take credit once the aid is distributed, suggesting it was due to his demands. This behavior is reminiscent of childish politics often seen among young students.'

These comments from the Chief Minister followed Gogoi's sit-in protest at the Assam Legislative Assembly on Gandhi Jayanti, where he called for immediate relief and compensation for families impacted by the disaster on July 19.

Gogoi accused Sarma of making hollow promises and failing the flood-affected families, asserting that he would remain at the Assembly to demand a clear response from the Chief Minister regarding his requests.

He stated, 'The Chief Minister has made numerous empty statements and has let down the families affected by floods in four Upper Assam districts. I plan to wait for him at the Assembly premises to get a definitive yes or no answer regarding our demands.'

Gogoi's protest focused on three main requests: immediate financial aid ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for each affected family, compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each impacted family and business, and a CBI inquiry to hold accountable those responsible for the disaster.

Despite the absence of a legislative session, Gogoi's sit-in at the Assembly square marked a unique form of protest for a sitting legislator.

Previously, on September 17, Gogoi had conducted an eight-hour hunger strike near Janata Bhawan in Dispur, advocating for relief, compensation, and rehabilitation for residents in three flood-affected districts of Upper Assam.

He emphasized that despite two visits from the Chief Minister to the flood-affected Sivasagar and assurances of reconstruction efforts, no financial aid has reached the district nearly two months post-disaster.