Assam CM Defends Gorukhuti Project Amid Corruption Allegations

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has responded to the Congress party's calls for a central agency investigation into alleged corruption in the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project. He accused the opposition of attempting to undermine the project for political gain and emphasized the importance of securing government land from illegal encroachment. Sarma highlighted local sentiments against encroachers and defended previous eviction efforts, citing the strategic significance of the land. The Congress party has alleged financial irregularities and called for a CBI inquiry, claiming that several officials have misappropriated funds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 14:36 IST

Chief Minister Responds to Opposition's Corruption Claims

Guwahati, July 4: In response to the Congress party's demands for a central agency investigation into alleged corruption linked to the Rs 25-crore Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized the opposition on Thursday. He accused them of having a hidden agenda to 'resettle evicted encroachers' on the project site.

During a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Udalguri, marking the start of his five-day tour of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Sarma claimed that the Congress was attempting to undermine the project for political advantage.

“The Congress wants to see the Gorukhuti project shut down because they plan to bring back the encroachers. For me, this project transcends mere financial considerations; it’s about protecting government land from illegal occupation,” the Chief Minister stated.

Addressing local sentiments in Sipajhar, where the project is situated, Sarma noted that the residents of Gorukhuti had made their position clear.

“Just yesterday, they publicly declared their determination to prevent encroachers from returning, even if it means shedding blood. I see this as a direct response to the Congress and their agenda,” he commented.

In defending the previous eviction efforts, the Chief Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the land, particularly with the upcoming Narengi-Kuruwa bridge, which is expected to enhance connectivity and increase land value in the area.

“Had these lands remained with encroachers, the indigenous community would have missed out on future opportunities, whether in agriculture or development projects,” he explained.

Further criticizing the Congress, Sarma remarked that the party had become 'voiceless' and inconsistent in its political stance.

“They remain silent on illegal cow slaughter and the dumping of banned meat in sacred places, yet they wish to politicize the issue of cows. It’s both ironic and lamentable,” he added.

These comments followed a day after the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) called for a CBI investigation into alleged financial misconduct within the Gorukhuti project.

The Congress party accused the government of significant fund misappropriation, alleging that several ministers and MLAs had benefited financially from the scheme. They also held the government responsible for the supposed misuse of public funds.