Gaurav Gogoi Demands Fair Investigation into Political Violence in Assam
Call for Impartial Investigation
Jorhat, July 4: The president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Gaurav Gogoi, has urged the Assam Police to conduct an unbiased investigation into recent political violence, emphasizing the contrast between the Congress party's peaceful protests and the BJP's alleged violent tactics.
During a press conference in Dergaon, while visiting a senior party member, Gogoi raised concerns about the impartiality of the Assam Police, which operates under the Home Ministry led by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Gogoi stated, "The Assam Police must operate without bias, regardless of the political affiliations involved. If swift action is taken against a protestor using a bottle, why has there been no similar response to those who attacked our Congress MPs and MLAs or assaulted police officers in plain sight? This has been captured on camera."
He referred to a recent incident where a bottle was thrown during the Chief Minister's visit to Golaghat, stressing the importance of distinguishing between legitimate protests and violent actions.
"The Congress party engages in strong protests but remains within the bounds of democracy. In contrast, the BJP resorts to using rods and sticks to break car windows and physically assault elected officials. This is the key difference," he asserted.
Gogoi further criticized the apparent double standards in law enforcement, highlighting a broader issue. "There should be no favoritism. The Home Ministry cannot shield individuals who openly attack police officers in public," he remarked.
Additionally, he raised serious allegations regarding corruption and extensive land acquisitions purportedly conducted by BJP ministers and legislators.
"Currently, Assam operates under the model of 'dangor mama, dangor mami, xoru mama, xoru mami,'" he joked, indicating a network of relatives profiting from the misuse of public resources.
He pointed to the Garukhuti land project as a case where public funds have allegedly been misappropriated. Discussing the alleged irregularities in the Garukhuti agricultural initiative in Darrang district, he stated, "The Chief Minister claims there is no corruption, but the reality in Assam tells a different story. I have reached out to the PMO, urging them to investigate these claims personally. The public is now aware of how ministers and MLAs are embezzling public funds."
Gogoi also criticized the BJP leadership for crafting narratives to obscure their failures and misconduct.
"When the leadership in Dispur is corrupt, what can be expected from those beneath them?" he questioned, adding that the Congress has dispatched observer teams to every district to collect feedback from the community regarding these issues.
Regarding collaboration with other opposition parties, Gogoi mentioned that the Congress has shared information gathered from Trinamool Congress members with the AICC leadership. "I trust that the AICC will take suitable actions based on this information," he stated.
In conclusion, Gogoi reiterated his demand for the Assam Police to maintain neutrality and not serve as an instrument for the ruling party.
"Law enforcement should prioritize serving the public, not protecting those who abuse their power. There must be a clear distinction between democratic protests and those that escalate into violence, and the police must ensure accountability for all," he added.
Previously, on June 28, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting an urgent review of corruption and related issues in Assam.