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 favouritism and political patronage. “₹50 lakh of taxpayer money was handed to a minister for his private dairy farm in Assam. The Chief Minister’s brazen response? ‘What will they do after losing power?’” Gogoi posted, sparking a wave of public reactions online.
The alleged financial assistance was reportedly granted under a state-run subsidy scheme, which Gogoi claims is being selectively applied to benefit politically connected individuals. He further asserted that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a larger pattern in which the poor, small farmers, and first-generation entrepreneurs are routinely ignored, while the powerful continue to receive government support. “This isn’t the first time those close to this government have reaped outsized benefits. Meanwhile, those who truly need support—first-generation entrepreneurs, small farmers, the poor and marginalised—are left fighting for their rightful share,” Gogoi stated in a press release issued later in the day.He went on to describe the incident as a “betrayal of public trust,” accusing the government of misusing administrative power for private gain. “This is not governance, but a violation of the oath of office. Public money is misused to secure private futures, and power is treated as entitlement, not responsibility,” he added.
The state government has so far not issued a formal clarification on the matter, but Chief Minister Sarma is said to have brushed off the issue during an interaction, which Gogoi interpreted as dismissive and lacking in accountability.The controversy has surfaced at a significant moment for the state, just as preparations are underway for the Ambubachi Mahayog, a revered annual religious festival held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati’s Nilachal Hills. On Sunday, the Chief Minister had inaugurated the spiritual event, which draws thousands of devotees and saints from across the country.