Congress president Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday launched one of his strongest attacks yet against the BJP government at both the Centre and in Assam, accusing it of “destroying society, weakening democratic institutions, and playing with the future of the people of Assam.” Speaking at a large Constitution Day protest in Nagaon, Gogoi said the rally was not just a political programme but a “people’s call to protect the Indian Constitution from those who want to weaken it.”
The event drew a huge crowd, with many carrying placards demanding accountability, protection of indigenous communities, and an end to what they called the BJP government’s “double standards” in governance. Gogoi began his speech by reminding the gathering that Constitution Day should be a moment of pride, reflection, and respect for the values of justice, equality and liberty. Instead, he said, “Assam is today going through a dark phase.”
Gogoi said that the BJP government, instead of focusing on education, healthcare, and basic development, was opening wine shops even in small villages. “This government is not opening schools. They are opening wine shops in our villages. They are pushing young people and families into danger. They have ignored the future of village children,” he said. “When Congress was in power, village roads were better, schools were functioning, and basic amenities were expanding. But today, roads are broken, schools are neglected, and wine shops are spreading.” 
He accused the BJP leadership of behaving “as if they are kings,” saying, “They think people are fools. They believe they can do anything and no one will question them. But Assam is awake now. From Nagaon today, we are raising our voice against this arrogant power.”
Gogoi also targeted the BJP over alleged interference in the Election Commission. He said that elections in India must be free, fair, and independent, but the BJP was “manipulating and controlling the Election Commission for its own benefit.” According to him, “They have stolen votes. They have used their power to influence the Election Commission. The Commission must act independently, but BJP is not allowing that. During Congress rule, the Election Commission worked freely. We never interfered or controlled it.”
He announced that the Congress has already formed booth committees across Assam to protect voting rights and ensure transparency. “We will closely monitor the election process. We will make sure that every vote is counted properly, that no one can steal the voice of the people again.”
On the issue of indigenous communities, Gogoi said that the BJP has failed to protect their rights, land, and identity. He said that denying Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to eligible indigenous communities has created frustration across the state. “People are out on the streets today demanding what is rightfully theirs. Why is the BJP not giving ST status to communities that deserve it? Why are they ignoring their own promises?” he asked.
He said it was a matter of shame that indigenous land rights are being neglected. “People have been waiting for years. But nothing is happening. Instead, they are facing harassment and delays. This government has time for vendetta politics but no time for giving land pattas or land rights to the real sons and daughters of Assam.”
Gogoi further said that even BJP leaders and workers were leaving the party due to dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s style of functioning. “Many BJP people are joining Congress because they say they do not want to spend their political career serving Himanta Biswa Sarma. They want to serve the people of Assam, not be servants of one man. They want to work for society, not for an individual,” he added.
He also criticised the government’s flagship Orunodoi scheme, saying the money being distributed was the people’s own money. “They are giving people their own money and calling it a favour. This is taxpayers’ money. Women must understand that they are not receiving gifts. They are receiving what they are entitled to. The government is trying to buy support with people’s own hard-earned money.”
Gogoi said that the spread of wine shops, particularly in rural areas, was hurting families and creating social problems. He said that if Congress comes to power, it will shut down wine shops in sensitive village areas. “We want a generation that studies and works, not a generation trapped in addiction. Wine shops cannot be the future of Assam.”
He also mentioned the growing public anger over various unresolved issues, including the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg. “People are still waiting for answers. But the government is giving excuses and avoiding responsibility. Such an important case deserves transparency, sincerity, and a proper investigation,” he said.
Throughout his speech, Gogoi combined criticism of the government with reminders of Congress’s historical legacy. He highlighted how the Congress played a key role in India’s freedom struggle, in framing the Constitution, and in shaping modern India. “Those who ask what Congress did for India should remember that there would be no Constitution Day without Congress. There would be no India as we know it without Congress. But today, some people who have no history, no legacy, and no commitment to democracy are attacking the Constitution and trying to divide society.”
Gogoi also added some details about rising economic distress in Assam, pointing out that unemployment among youth has increased, industries are struggling, and everyday inflation is hurting households. “Prices are rising every day. Families are finding it difficult to survive. But the government only talks, only promotes itself. There is no real work happening on the ground,” he said.
He criticised the state government’s handling of floods, saying that despite repeated promises, long-term solutions for flood and erosion remain missing. “Every year, people lose homes, land, crops, and property. But the government’s response remains slow, unplanned, and inconsistent.”
Citing issues in healthcare and education, Gogoi said hospitals lack doctors and equipment, and many schools face shortages of teachers. “This is not development. This is neglect,” he said. “Assam deserves a government that listens, respects, and delivers.”
Gogoi said, “The Constitution gives us rights. It gives us the power to question. We must protect it. The fight is not just for Congress. It is for every Assamese, for every Indian. Assam will rise again, but first we must stop those who are destroying it.”
