In a strong attack on the Assam government, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi has accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of creating an environment where an unofficial system of payment, which he called the “Mami Tax”, has become widespread. Gogoi said this system is hurting traders, slowing down business activity, and creating fear among the business community.
His remarks were made at a public programme in Philobari in Tinsukia district. The video of the event was uploaded on his official Facebook page today. In the video, Gogoi is seen addressing a large gathering and explaining how this alleged extortion network is affecting trade and investment in the state.
Gogoi said that earlier, people only had to pay normal taxes like GST and Sales Tax, but now a new kind of tax has appeared under the present government. According to him, anyone who wants to buy a tea garden, start an industry, or work in coal, stone, sand, or timber trade must first pay this “Mami Tax”. He claimed that nothing moves smoothly in Assam unless this payment is made. 
He further alleged that the “Mami Tax” has turned into a politically protected system that allows corruption to grow. He said honest traders are suffering because they cannot run their businesses without facing pressure. He also said this has discouraged new investment and pushed many people to look for unlawful ways just to keep their work going.
Gogoi claimed that due to this, Assam’s economy is slowing down and the confidence of investors is falling. He said the youth of the state are the ones who are paying the real price as fewer opportunities are being created.
The Congress MP also accused the government of turning governance into what he described as a “price-tag system”. He said that in almost every sector, from tea estates to industries and from mining to infrastructure, people are being forced to depend on backdoor channels.
Gogoi said that if Congress forms the next government, they will completely remove this system. He assured the public that a Congress-led government would stand with honest traders and businesses and would work to rebuild confidence.
