Guwahati, June 11: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the ruling party has weakened democratic institutions and relied on defections to consolidate political power both nationally and in Assam.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Gogoi remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12 consecutive years in office were being celebrated by the BJP even as ordinary citizens continued to face economic hardships. He accused the party of reducing politics to a process of breaking and poaching political parties, claiming that Assam was no exception to this trend.

Gogoi further alleged that the BJP was attempting to control the media, pointing out that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had retained the Information and Public Relations Department for this purpose. “There are growing concerns about how long media freedom will survive under such circumstances,” he said.

The Congress leader also criticized the Assam government for rewarding individuals accused of corruption and syndicate activities with ministerial positions. He cited alleged involvement in the “cattle syndicate,” the “Gir cow scam,” and corruption in the Assam Legislative Assembly as examples of how tainted figures were given important portfolios.

Turning to national issues, Gogoi condemned the rejection of the Congress candidate’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, alleging that the BJP was willing to go to any extent to retain power. He claimed that the Election Commission was quick to act on BJP allegations, even when based on incorrect information, while ignoring genuine complaints from the Congress.

He also criticized Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for failing to accept moral responsibility in the NEET paper leak controversy. On Assam’s internal matters, Gogoi questioned why the government had not specified a timeline for granting Scheduled Tribe status to six communities.

Despite these criticisms, Gogoi expressed confidence in the Congress party’s revival, noting that review meetings were being held to strengthen the organization at the grassroots level among Assam’s diverse communities and ethnic groups. He asserted that the Congress would emerge stronger and align itself with the aspirations of the people.