Senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on January 20 launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government in Assam, claiming that the state’s “double-engine government” would come to an end in the upcoming Assembly elections. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Baghel accused the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and misuse of power.
Baghel said the Congress, along with other like-minded opposition parties, was preparing to contest the Assam Assembly elections in a united manner. He claimed that the fall of the BJP government in the state would also bring an end to what he described as corruption and “gundagiri” under the current regime. According to him, the people of Assam were watching developments closely and were unhappy with the way the government was functioning.
Alleging large-scale corruption, Baghel said Sarma was responsible for what he termed as growing lawlessness and misuse of authority in Assam. He referred to election affidavits to claim that Sarma’s personal wealth had seen a steep rise over the years. Baghel alleged that Sarma’s assets, which were around Rs 17 crore in 2006, had increased to nearly Rs 187 crore by 2021. He questioned how such a rise was possible and claimed that despite repeated allegations, the chief minister continued to enjoy the backing of the BJP.
The senior Congress leader also recalled earlier remarks made by Rahul Gandhi, who had once described Sarma as the “most corrupt chief minister” in the country. Baghel alleged that even after such statements, the BJP continued to protect Sarma, using what he described as a political “washing machine” to shield leaders facing serious accusations.
Baghel further pointed out that Sarma had earlier been associated with the Congress and had served as a Congress minister before joining the BJP in 2015. He said the people of Assam would not forget this political journey and would respond strongly in the coming elections. According to him, voters would not tolerate the misuse of power any longer.
On alliance-building, Baghel said talks were ongoing with other opposition parties to form a strong and united front. He added that Congress leaders at the state, district, and grassroots levels were actively coordinating to strengthen the organisation and finalise seat-sharing arrangements.
At the same press conference, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said the party was fully focused on dislodging the BJP government in Assam. He said the Congress would form a broad-based coalition to challenge the ruling alliance. Gogoi also alleged confusion within the BJP over its understanding with allies such as the Asom Gana Parishad, the Bodoland People’s Front, and the United People’s Party Liberal.
The Congress leaders also accused the central leadership, including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, of running what they called an authoritarian system, which they claimed was being mirrored in Assam. Reiterating the party’s “Nava Assam” vision, the Congress said it would continue to mobilise public opinion against the BJP-led government in the months leading up to the Assembly elections.