Assam Congress leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi launched a strong attack on the Himanta Biswa Sarma–led Assam government, saying the state has shown “no sincerity” in resolving the long-standing demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities of Assam. Speaking to reporters in Delhi ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Gogoi said the recent ministerial sub-committee report reflects a divisive approach instead of a genuine attempt to solve the issue.
Gogoi said the report placed by the government does not offer any clarity or confidence to the communities concerned. According to him, the process should have been transparent and built on wider consultation. “This report reflects nothing but divisive politics. The government has no intention of granting genuine ST benefits to the six communities,” he said.
The Congress leader also alleged that the Chief Minister is trying to create a situation where tribal land can be handed over to corporate groups. He claimed the government is not working to protect existing tribal rights but instead preparing the ground for further disputes. “Himanta Biswa Sarma has no goodwill on this matter. He only wants to divide communities and hand over tribal land to Adani and Ambani,” Gogoi said. 
He added that even the existing tribal communities have earlier said they are not opposed to the ST demand of the six communities, provided their own legal and constitutional safeguards are not weakened. But the government, he said, avoided a consensus-based approach and submitted the report quietly on the last day of the Assembly session.
Gogoi also responded sharply to the Chief Minister’s statement that the Congress should give its views in writing. He said the government should first form an all-party committee and call an all-party meeting. According to him, the refusal to do so shows that the government does not want collective discussion. “He believes he is the smartest. But people can now see the truth,” Gogoi said.
He further claimed that the list of bills circulated for the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament contains no bill related to granting ST status to the six communities. He said this clearly indicates that the BJP government has no intention of delivering on its long-promised commitment.
