Gaurav Gogoi Highlights Drug Abuse as Key Issue in Jorhat Campaign

In the lead-up to the assembly elections, Gaurav Gogoi, the Congress candidate for Jorhat, has spotlighted drug abuse as a pressing issue, criticizing the administration's failure to address it. He advocates for clean politics and a new vision for Assam, emphasizing the need for development that prioritizes public welfare over contractor profits. As he campaigns against BJP's Hitendra Nath Goswami, Gogoi's message resonates with voters seeking integrity in governance. This election could be a turning point for Assam's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 11:28 IST

Focus on Drug Abuse in Jorhat Assembly Elections

Jorhat, March 25: As the campaign for the crucial Jorhat constituency heats up ahead of the assembly elections, Gaurav Gogoi, the chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and the party's candidate, has identified drug abuse as a critical concern, attributing it to administrative shortcomings.

While canvassing in the 100 No. Jorhat Assembly constituency on Tuesday, Gogoi expressed alarm over the rising rates of drug and alcohol use, which he claims have heightened safety issues, especially for women who struggle to navigate the streets after dark.

He criticized the authorities for their failure to address this crisis, labeling substance abuse as a “cancer” that has deeply affected Assamese society.

“The primary concern in Jorhat is drugs. This issue transcends individual constituencies; drug and alcohol abuse has infiltrated Assamese society at large. It poses a significant threat to the state. Our goal is to eradicate drugs from Assam and create a brighter future for the youth,” he stated.

During his campaign, Gogoi also stressed the importance of clean politics, principled governance, and his vision for a “new greater Assam.”

“The people of Assam are actively participating in a significant movement for political cleanliness. The main obstacle to this is Himanta Biswa Sarma and a few of his close allies. Once they are removed from Assam's political scene, we can restore integrity to politics and refocus on development and ideological discourse,” he asserted.

In his critique of the ruling BJP, he claimed that development initiatives are more about contractor profits and commissions than addressing public needs.

“The BJP's approach to development is driven by the financial gains of contractors and the commissions earned by their leaders. Our vision of development is centered on the actual needs of the people, whether it involves medical facilities like AIIMS, flood relief, or effective waste management,” he compared.

Welcoming new candidates into state politics, Gogoi highlighted the Congress party's commitment to inclusivity.

“We are eager to see new faces and innovative ideas in politics. This sets Congress apart from the BJP. Our candidate list includes around 13 women and several first-time participants. We aim to build a new Congress inspired by the ideals of Tarun Gogoi and to envision a new Assam,” he remarked.

The high-profile constituency has garnered considerable attention as Gogoi competes against Hitendra Nath Goswami, the BJP candidate and former Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly.

With both parties ramping up their campaigns, Gogoi noted that voters, ranging from the youth to government employees, are increasingly demanding transparent governance, suggesting that the upcoming election could be pivotal for Assam's political future.