Criticism of CM Sarma's Comments on Khetri Road Accident
Outrage Over Chief Minister's Remarks
CM Sarma at the incident site in Khetri along NH-27 on Monday. (Photo:Special arrangement)
Guwahati, Sept 3: The comments made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the Khetri road accident, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, have sparked significant backlash. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has labeled his remarks as 'insensitive' and 'inhuman.'
AASU president Utpal Sarma expressed his discontent on Thursday, criticizing the Chief Minister's statement that the accident should not be solely blamed on potholes, suggesting that factors like vehicle speed should also be considered.
“Seven lives were lost in this tragic incident, and the Chief Minister's comments are deeply insensitive. The vehicle lost control after hitting a pothole, leading to these fatalities. Why are there potholes in the first place, and what is the purpose of collecting toll taxes?” Utpal Sarma stated during a press conference in Guwahati.
The student organization has also planned a statewide human-chain protest on September 11, advocating for the repair and enhancement of roads, including National Highways.
“If the government treats the loss of lives so lightly, it reflects their insensitivity. We demand that road conditions be improved. On September 11, students across Assam will form a human chain to call for the repair of all roads,” he added.
Utpal Sarma further questioned the government's handling of taxes, referencing the Chief Minister's comments on toll collection and welfare schemes.
“The Chief Minister mentioned that because we pay toll taxes, we receive schemes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But what about the GST that citizens pay on essentials? Where does that money go? And what about the loans forgiven for wealthy individuals?” he queried.
He criticized the government's claims about all-weather road connectivity, questioning why roads deteriorate during the rainy season.
“The Chief Minister stated that this issue arises during monsoons. If that’s the case, what is the point of constructing and inaugurating roads that are supposed to provide all-weather connectivity? This indicates a failure on the part of both the Central and state governments to build reliable roads,” he remarked.
Utpal Sarma suggested that if roads are unsafe during the monsoon, then educational institutions should close, and employees should be allowed to work from home during this period.
His comments followed a day after Sarma indicated that the Khetri accident should not be attributed solely to potholes, emphasizing the need to consider all circumstances surrounding the incident, including vehicle speed.