Guwahati, Jan 12: Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday accused the state government of misgovernance, corruption, and undermining voting rights, launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the “Jati Bachao, Mati Bachao” campaign in Guwahati.

Addressing reporters, Gogoi alleged that voting rights of various communities, including tribals, OBCs, SCs, and minorities, were being curtailed. He claimed the ruling party was attempting to prevent sections of voters who did not support the BJP in the last election from voting again.

Gogoi also raised questions over the handling of the Zubeen Garg death case, alleging that a weak charge sheet had been filed to protect individuals close to the Chief Minister and his family. He accused Sarma of making misleading statements and lacking credibility, adding that the people of Assam were aware of these issues.

The programme, held at the Manavendra Sharma Complex, witnessed a large joining ceremony, with several leaders from different organisations formally joining the Congress. Those who joined included former Mising Memang Kebang President Rukma Kumar Medok, former All Assam Minority Students’ Union president Rezaul Karim Sarkar, BJP leader Manoj Kumar Mahanta, AGP youth wing general secretary Kaushik Hazarika, and UPPL leaders Chila Basumatary and Arun Basumatary. Several former AAMSU leaders and hundreds of supporters were also present.

Invoking the legacy of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Gaurav Gogoi said the people of Assam were questioning the current leadership and seeking an end to what he described as fear and corruption in governance. He referred to Assam’s history of unity, from the Battle of Saraighat to the freedom movement, and stressed that unity remained central to the identity of Bor Asom.

Gogoi stated that sustained unity among the people would challenge the present government and asserted that power ultimately rests with the people. He said the Congress would contest the upcoming Assembly elections on issues of governance, unity, and public accountability.

The event was attended by AICC Secretary Manoj Chauhan, senior Congress leaders, several MLAs, APCC general secretaries, leaders of the Assam Mahila Congress, and party workers from across the state.