Congress Initiates Public Engagement for Inclusive Assam Manifesto

Public Outreach for a Greater Assam

Dibrugarh, Dec 6: On Saturday, the Congress party commenced a public engagement initiative aimed at developing a manifesto that embodies the vision of ‘Bor Asom’, which seeks to create a more inclusive Assam that represents all communities.

Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), mentioned that similar outreach efforts are being conducted by other opposition parties, following a collective agreement made during a recent meeting.

During a press conference in Dibrugarh, Gogoi stated, “We discussed with other opposition parties and concluded that merely criticizing the government is insufficient. We must engage with the public to understand how the youth, various communities, government employees, and all segments envision Assam.”

He noted that all opposition parties will be conducting public interactions throughout this month.

“I propose that we organize a convention of these parties in January to present our vision for a ‘Bor Asom’,” he added.

Gogoi emphasized that consulting the public before formulating policies is a long-standing tradition of the Congress party. He recalled how significant central legislations like the RTI, RTE, and MGNREGA were developed after extensive public consultations.

He drew comparisons to the early 2000s, stating, “When the Congress government led by Tarun Gogoi took office in 2001, the state was grappling with an economic crisis and law and order issues. He engaged with the public to create a roadmap to overcome those challenges.”

The APCC leader further accused the current government of neglecting such democratic practices.

“Now, whatever the ‘raja’ in Dispur decides, it is done. We do not aspire to be a ‘raja’; we want to be ‘raijor sevak’. From a ‘divided Asom’, we aim to transition to a ‘Bor Asom’,” Gogoi asserted.

He also mentioned that the party is working on strengthening its organizational framework, highlighting the recently launched ‘Raijor Podulit, Raijor Congress’ initiative, which includes medical camps in tea garden regions.

Pradyut Bordoloi, Lok Sabha MP and chairperson of the manifesto committee, who was also present, stated that the forthcoming manifesto is being crafted to extend beyond the upcoming state elections.

“We aim to create a document that outlines a future roadmap, ensuring that the aspirations of all Assamese people are incorporated,” Bordoloi explained.

Regarding the potential for a unified manifesto among opposition parties, he added, “If an alliance is formed, then common minimum programs will be adopted.”