Congress Criticizes Assam Government Over Corruption Allegations and Safety Concerns
Congress Raises Concerns Over Government Accountability
Congress leader Mira Borthakur demanding public clarity over alleged Biswajit Daimary irregularities on Wednesday (Photo: AT)
Guwahati, July 1: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has accused the ruling BJP government of neglecting to investigate alleged misconduct involving former Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, despite their claims of a strict anti-corruption stance.
During a press briefing in Guwahati, APCC leader and president of the Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress, Mira Borthakur, highlighted that the allegations initially brought to light by the current Assembly Speaker, Ranjeet Dass, have not been addressed.
"To this day, the status of that investigation remains unknown. We urge Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to clarify whether these allegations are unfounded, and if not, how Daimary was appointed to the Cabinet without a thorough investigation," she stated.
Borthakur accused the government of a trend where individuals implicated in corruption are rewarded rather than scrutinized, asserting that "under the BJP administration, those engaged in significant corruption are promoted instead of being held accountable."
She also referenced allegations against Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, questioning if "corruption has become a standard for advancement."
Her comments were linked to the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project, which stirred controversy in 2025 after claims emerged that Gir cows were sold to certain legislators due to project supervisors' inability to care for them.
The Congress party also criticized the newly opened Maharaja Prithu Flyover in Guwahati, where a series of accidents, including a fatal incident, have raised public alarm.
Inquiring about the safety of the Rs 850-crore project, Borthakur asked whether it serves as "a flyover for connectivity or a death trap."
She alleged that the flyover was inaugurated hastily and demanded its closure until all safety issues are resolved.
"Numerous accidents have already occurred on the flyover, resulting in one fatality. If such a large-scale project requires immediate repairs post-inauguration, proper safety evaluations should have been conducted beforehand," she remarked.
APCC spokesperson Bedabrata Bora also called for accountability from those involved in the project.
"The contractor responsible for the bridge's construction should face immediate arrest," Bora asserted.
The opposition party expressed worries regarding the state of Gauhati University as well.
Former MP and APCC Media Department adviser Abdul Khaleque stated that the university, founded through the aspirations of the people of Assam, is currently facing an "existential crisis."
"While we support the establishment of private universities, we cannot allow Gauhati University to deteriorate in the process," he emphasized, citing reports of administrative and institutional difficulties.
On the long-standing issue of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities in Assam, Borthakur accused the BJP of repeatedly making promises without delivering any results.
"This issue has been under discussion for years, yet there has been no significant progress. These promises have merely become election rhetoric," she concluded.