‘Corrupt’ Assam Congress in corner

The ruling Congress in poll-bound Assam has many hurdles to cross to be able to hold on to power for the third consecutive term.

Unlike 2006, the Congress has multiple challenges to face this election. Apart from battling an anti-incumbency factor, the party will have to deal with a resurgent Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and a rising BJP. The Gogoi government also has the task of coming clean in the alleged scams, one being the Rs1,000-crore scam in erstwhile North Cachar (now Dima Hasao) district.

At least seven ministers in the Gogoi government besides government officials were allegedly involved in the scams.

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), a farmers’ body, has been mobilising civil groups against corruption by politicians and bureaucrats.

Akhil Gogoi, an RTI activist, also associated with KMSS has launched a crusade against the ‘corrupt’ Tarun Gogoi-led government, asking people to vote for a change.

As part of its campaign, KMSS has decided to go to all 126 assembly segments in the run up to the polls and highlight the scams that have taken place under Gogoi’s regime.

“We appeal to you to reject the corrupt Congress in the polls if you want the state to prosper in all spheres,” the activist, Akhil Gogoi, told people at a rally.

Reacting to Congress’s difficult position, a political analyst said, “The scams have largely tarnished the image of the Congress party and the chief minister. It’s a pity that Gogoi has remained myopic and inactive despite the serious allegations of corruption against seven of his cabinet colleagues. This will surely put the Congress in bad shape this election.”

“We’re holding the rallies to enlighten people about the scams in the public distribution system, national rural employment guarantee scheme and NC Hills,” Gogoi told DNA.

“The entire system has become corrupt. The Congress has to be taught a lesson if people want to get rid of corruption by lawmakers and bureaucrats. But if the party is voted to power again, we will only encourage it,” Gogoi, winner of an RTI award, said.