Assam - The Purbottar

01 Jul

Over 10,000 people polled in Assam CM survey

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A recent survey by VoteVibe LLP has revealed a neck-and-neck contest for the next Chief Minister of Assam, with current CM Himanta Biswa Sarma of the BJP holding a slender 0.8% lead over Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi. Sarma was favoured by 45.6% of respondents, while Gogoi closely followed with 44.8% — well within the statistical margin of error. The state-wide survey, which included over 10,000 participants via Random Digit Dialling, also revealed interesting demographic divides. While male voters preferred Sarma (50%) over Gogoi (41%), the trend flipped among female voters, who backed Gogoi (49%) over Sarma (41%). Youth voters (18–24)…

30 Jun

NSCN(K) cadre arrested in Jorhat after secret tip-off

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A hardcore cadre of the banned outfit NSCN (K), Nikki Sumi faction, was apprehended by security forces in Assam’s Jorhat district while attempting to flee to Dimapur. The arrest, which followed a tip-off from Military Intelligence (Kolkata), also led to the discovery of a secret hideout in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising personnel of the 44 Assam Rifles (Khonsa) and Arunachal Pradesh Police, with assistance from the Jorhat Police, launched a meticulously planned operation. The suspect was intercepted at Teok in Jorhat district while on his way to Dimapur by road. Security…

28 Jun

APSC scam officers can’t return, but may work elsewhere

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday firmly stated that the recent Gauhati High Court ruling in connection with the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) cash-for-jobs scam does not direct the reinstatement of any of the dismissed officers implicated in the case. Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, the Chief Minister said, “We examined the High Court order yesterday. There is no instruction for reinstating the officers. The court has only directed the government to issue discharge orders without referring to the APSC scam.” He clarified that the court's suggestion was to remove the "stigmatic" nature of the…

26 Jun

Assam Tax Department arrests 7 in major GST violation case

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Department has arrested seven businessmen allegedly involved in moving taxable goods without valid documents. The arrests were made following a series of intelligence-led raids conducted by the department’s Enforcement Wing at key railway transport hubs in Guwahati. The arrested individuals, who own or operate transport and logistics companies, are accused of violating provisions of the Assam GST Act, 2017, by facilitating the movement of goods that were not supported by invoices, e-way bills, or other mandatory documents. “These transporters were moving large quantities of goods without any proper documentation. Their operations appear…

26 Jun

Ambubachi ends, and the public can once again visit Kamakhya Temple

Banasree SarkarAssam

The temple was closed for four days beginning on June 22 in observance of the annual Ambubachi festivities, which represent the goddess' menstrual cycle and are a Hindu celebration of fertility and feminine divinity. The administration worked hard to make sure the event went off without any issues, according to Himadri Sarma, the temple's chief priest. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was one of the first to arrive. Along with his wife, he went to the temple to pray. Every year in mid-June, during the Assamese month of Ahaar, one of the most important religious gatherings in the region, the…

25 Jun

Himanta Biswa Sarma visits Dhubri site for 3,400 MW thermal plant

Banasree SarkarAssam

A 3,400 MW thermal power plant was recently planned at Chirakuta Charuwa Bakra in Dhubri district, which Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited. The previous plan in Kokrajhar was abandoned due to protests over tribal land concerns. To determine its appropriateness for the state's main power project, the CM examined the site, which spans over 3,300 bighas under the Bilasipara subdivision. Assam's energy demand is predicted to increase to 5,000 MW by 2030 and 7,000 MW by 2035, and the proposed plant is anticipated to be a major contributor to meeting this need. Sarma promised that all eligible landholders…

25 Jun

150+ arrested in Dhubri, more to be caught soon

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Following recent communal tensions in Dhubri district, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Tuesday that more than 150 individuals have been arrested and the alleged mastermind behind the disturbances has been identified. The unrest was reportedly triggered after cattle remains were found near a temple during the observance of Eid al-Zuha, sparking outrage and clashes in the region. Addressing the media during his second visit to Dhubri in just ten days, the Chief Minister reviewed the security situation and assured the public of firm action. “The mastermind has been identified. Investigations are moving swiftly, and so far, more…

24 Jun

Gaurav Gogoi slams Assam CM over dairy farm funding

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A major political storm has erupted in Assam after opposition leader Gaurav Gogoi alleged that ₹50 lakh in taxpayer money was handed over to a serving minister for his private dairy farm, raising serious questions about transparency and fairness in the use of public funds. The allegation, which Gogoi made through a strongly worded post on social media platform X, has intensified scrutiny over the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government’s handling of development schemes. Gogoi, who is the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and a Member of Parliament, accused the Chief Minister of encouraging a system of…

24 Jun

UAE ambassador calls on Assam CM in Guwahati

Mohini BarmanAssam

United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to India Abdulnasser Alshaali called on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here on Monday. ''Had the pleasure to host H.E @aj_alshaali, the Ambassador of UAE to India at Lok Sewa Bhawan today'', the Chief Minister posted on 'X'. UAE is keen to expand trade, boost connectivity and explore investment opportunities in Assam, Sarma said.

23 Jun

Gang involved in mutile bike-theft cases in Assam busted in Guwahati

Mohini BarmanAssam

Guwahati police have arrested five members of an interstate criminal gang following a targeted operation that solved multiple vehicle break-in cases plaguing the city. The breakthrough came after Dr Banani Das filed a complaint about her car being vandalised near AG Bus Stop on Beltola Road. Thieves had smashed her vehicle's window and stolen her handbag containing documents and Rs 30,000 cash around 3:15 pm. Police launched a comprehensive investigation using CCTV footage analysis and technical surveillance after noting similarities with previous incidents. The operation led them to Kamakhya and Maligaon Gosala areas, where they apprehended five suspects identified as…