Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President and Lok Sabha Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Gaurav Gogoi, addressed a detailed press conference in New Delhi today during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. In the press meet, he sharply criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and accused him of running the state administration with “arrogance” and “complete disregard for government employees.”
Gogoi said the Chief Minister treats employees as if they are “his personal property” and refuses to hold meaningful discussions on their problems. He claimed that many employees are being threatened instead of being heard. According to him, such behaviour has weakened the work culture in the state. “No government can function well by ignoring its own employees,” he said.
He also alleged that the Chief Minister removed 500 employees of the 108 ambulance service in a single day and that NHM workers, who played a major role during the COVID-19 pandemic, are still waiting for the benefits they were promised. Gogoi said salary cuts and long delays have pushed the state’s health system into crisis. 
Gogoi mentioned that tutors in the Education Department and workers of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department have also been facing problems due to non-payment of dues. He said that while the government spends large amounts on cultural events, it does not show the same urgency when it comes to paying salaries.
The Congress leader also raised serious concerns about the Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam. Calling the scheme a “mockery,” he said unpaid bills worth ₹4,500 crore have pushed many contractors to the edge. He claimed that only contractors linked with BJP leaders receive partial payments, while others who took loans to complete the work are suffering heavily. Nearly 9,000 contractors have reportedly approached him seeking intervention.
Gogoi questioned the Chief Minister’s silence on these matters and said that the administrative machinery is not functioning smoothly. He pointed out that Polytechnic institutions that were working properly earlier are now being neglected, and several teachers who protested were removed from service.
He added that in Assam “there is only one minister for every department,” implying that the Chief Minister controls every major decision and does not allow other ministers to function independently. He also alleged that government employees, including police personnel and teachers, are regularly threatened.
Responding to a question about the AIUDF, Gogoi said there has always been a hidden understanding between the party and the BJP. On another question related to the Chief Minister’s personal remarks, he said that journalists in Assam already know many details about the Chief Minister’s family and lifestyle. According to him, if journalists freely report these issues, the Chief Minister would “run away to Dubai or Singapore.”
Gogoi added that the Chief Minister has become isolated in his own party and often makes comments that show “mental unease.” He said that whenever he hears such remarks, he is reminded of his father, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s famous words; “Eh, Baad Diyahe.”
He said that people in Assam too have started responding to the Chief Minister’s comments with the same phrase. According to him, these reactions show the growing dissatisfaction among the public.
