Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Images/Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the ‘most corrupt and hate-spreading CM’. He alleged that his party’s ‘Babbar Shers’ would put him in jail.Addressing a poll rally in Assam’s Biswanath, Gandhi said: “Assam has the most corrupt, hate-spreading Chief Minister of India. He knows the ‘Babbar Shers’ of the Congress party are going to put him in jail.” He also outlined key promises made by Congress for the state, focusing on welfare measures and community recognition. Gandhi said that the party would grant Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe status to six communities in Assam and improve wages for tea workers.”We are clearly saying that we will give SC/ST status to Assam’s 6 communities. We have also clearly mentioned in the manifesto that we will give Rs 450 per day to the tea workers.”Highlighting economic and social support initiatives, Gandhi said the Congress government would roll out multiple schemes within a short time frame if voted to power.”As soon as we form the government in Assam, we will implement the six decisions taken for Assam. Every woman will receive a monthly cash transfer into her bank account without any conditions, and those who want to start a business will be given Rs 50,000. We guarantee that within 100 days, we will punish the accused in the Zubeen Garg case and action will be taken.”Targeting the central leadership, Gandhi also alleged that Assam’s governance is being controlled from New Delhi.”Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi, and Narendra Modi and Amit Shah control your CM. Assam is run from Delhi.” He further intensified his attack on Sarma, alleging corruption involving his family and warning of strict action.”He (CM Himanta Biswa Sarma) also made a blunder by including his family in the corruption, now even his family will get accused.”The Congress leader also invoked noted Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, drawing a contrast between the party’s ideology and what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics. He said the party stands for unity and harmony.”Zubeen Garg worked his entire life to unite people of Assam, he never misbehaved with anyone. The Congress philosophy is also like that, to spread love against hatred,” Gandhi said.He added that legal action against the chief minister would proceed even if an apology is offered. “Let him speak for some more days. After that, the Congress will form government in Assam and legal action will follow even if he asks for forgiveness,” Gandhi said.The Assam state assembly elections are scheduled for 9 April, with results to be declared on 4 May.
