Guwahati: Leaders of Assam Congress on Friday visited the land in Majuli allegedly purchased by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, during the APCC’s ‘Samay Parivartanar’ Yatra, intensifying the party’s attack on the BJP government over alleged land deals.

The visit was led by APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, who reached Majuli by ferry along with senior party leaders. Party workers welcomed the delegation at the ghat.

During the programme, Gogoi offered prayers at Auniati Satra and Kamalabari Satra, seeking blessings for the people of Assam. The Congress later took out a procession in Majuli, with workers raising slogans against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP, and in support of Gogoi.

The APCC alleged that the land purchase in Majuli was unethical and harmful to the rights of indigenous communities of the state. Party leaders said they would continue to raise the issue and expose what they described as “anti-people land deals”.

Addressing a public meeting, Gogoi alleged that the BJP government has relied on fear and intimidation over the past ten years. He claimed that if people overcome fear, Congress would form the next government in Assam.

He also announced that the party has prepared a “template” outlining what he called the “real story” of the Chief Minister, which would be taken to 30,000 households in Majuli.

Gogoi referred to former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and alleged that Sarma had betrayed him. He further claimed that Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had been politically sidelined within the BJP.

According to him, BJP hoardings in Majuli feature only the Chief Minister’s image, reflecting internal divisions in the party.

He also accused the BJP-led Assam government of being anti-tribal, alleging that land belonging to Bodo, Rabha, Karbi, Mising and Dimasa communities had been handed over to corporate houses. He questioned the legality and ethics of land purchases made in Majuli after alleged changes in land laws.

Criticising the BJP government’s performance, Gogoi alleged rising public debt, unemployment, migration of youth, and deterioration in education and healthcare infrastructure. He said the burden of borrowings has increased pressure on citizens.

Speaking to journalists, Gogoi said the people of Assam are ready for change in the upcoming elections. On opposition alliances, he said discussions are ongoing and a decision would be taken soon.

Former APCC president Bhupen Bora, MP Rakibul Hussain and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia also addressed the meeting.

AICC Co-Incharge for Assam Vikas Upadhyay, former APCC president Ripun Bora and former Minister Rajib Lochan Pegu were present during the yatra. Gogoi also stopped at a roadside tea stall and shared tea with party leaders during his visit.

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