Guwahati, February 19: In a high-stakes political move ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday released a scathing 20-point chargesheet against the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government in Guwahati, accusing the administration of running a “syndicate raj” and widespread corruption .
The document, prepared by a committee headed by MP Pradyut Bordoloi, was unveiled at the Manvendra Sharma Complex during the first day of Priyanka Gandhi‘s two-day visit to the state. The chargesheet claims to represent the grievances and allegations voiced by the people of Assam against the state government .
‘Syndicate Raj’ and Extortion Allegations
The 20-point chargesheet against Assam government contains explosive allegations, including the operation of a syndicate-controlled system from Dispur (the state secretariat) that allegedly collects commissions on goods moving into and out of Assam. According to the document, fixed commissions are extracted at designated checkpoints on commodities including timber, sand, stone, coal, iron, Burmese betel nut, poultry, cattle, fish, eggs, spices, and cigarettes .
The Congress chargesheet further alleges that the government has turned Assam into a “protected corridor” for transporting banned goods and drugs across international borders, while encouraging illegal activities such as rat-hole mining to generate unlawful funds .
Corruption in Governance
The document makes grave accusations against the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs, claiming they have “accumulated illegal assets” in their own names and those of family members . It alleges the creation of a “parallel institutionalised commission system” in health services, public works projects, transfers and postings of officials, and tender processes—reportedly controlled by the Chief Minister himself .
Despite repeated adverse observations by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAAbout Comptroller and Auditor General of India), the chargesheet claims illegal trade and corrupt practices have continued unabated .
Unfulfilled Promises and Policy Failures
The Congress chargesheet against Sarma government also highlights several unfulfilled promises, including:
- Failure to grant Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities
- Non-implementation of the promised Rs 351 daily wage for tea garden workers
- Neglect of the Assam Accord and failure to implement Clause 6
- Halting of the NRC process amid allegations of a Rs 1,600 crore scam
Environmental and Social Issues
The document accuses the government of environmental degradation through encouragement of illegal and unscientific rat-hole mining, turning mineral-rich areas into “valleys of death.” It also alleges biased bulldozer actions against common citizens, suppression of freedom of speech and the media, and fostering a climate of fear through encounters .
Additional allegations include failure to generate new employment, poor urban planning leading to chronic flooding and waste mismanagement, weakening of public education, and inadequate healthcare services resulting in increased deaths from preventable diseases .
Congress Leaders Rally Behind Chargesheet
Addressing the gathering, APCC President Gaurav Gogoi remarked that Priyanka Gandhi had understood the sentiments of Assam’s population and taken on the special responsibility of leading the Screening Committee. “This demonstrates the seriousness with which the Congress party is approaching the forthcoming Assembly elections,” he asserted .
Pradyut Bordoloi explained that five teams travelled across Assam to collect public opinion, obtaining input from grassroots organisations, indigenous groups, business communities, intellectuals, and various stakeholders .
The event witnessed the presence of several senior Congress leaders, including Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Rakibul Hussain, and former APCC President Ripun Bora .
Political Context and Response
Priyanka Gandhi, who is chairperson of the Congress candidate screening committee for the Assam polls, downplayed the recent defection of former APCC chief Bhupen Bora to the BJP, stating that “defection occurs prior to every election” and asserting that the Congress remains united and battle-ready .
When asked about alliance talks, the Congress MP asked the media to “wait and watch what happens” .
DK Shivakumar dismissed remarks made by Chief Minister Sarma, asserting that “public sentiment favours change” and that the BJP is making “baseless statements” because they sense defeat .
BJP’s Counter-Narrative
Meanwhile, on the same day, BJP national president Nitin Nabin reiterated the party’s resolve to make Assam “Congress-mukt,” urging cadres to intensify grassroots efforts ahead of the elections. He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure all 26 seats across Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and the Upper Assam region .
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has previously expressed confidence in the BJP’s victory, highlighting development initiatives such as the recently approved Rs 18,000 crore underwater tunnel in the Brahmaputra River as evidence of the central government’s commitment to Assam’s progress .
Election Significance
The release of the Congress chargesheet against Assam government marks an intensification of political hostilities as the state gears up for Assembly elections likely to be held in March-April 2026. With 126 constituencies at stake, the ruling BJP-NDA alliance, which currently has 64 MLAs, faces a resurgent Congress seeking to reverse its 2021 Assembly election losses .
The Congress has been working to forge alliances with regional parties including the Raijor Dal and Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), though seat-sharing arrangements remain unresolved .
