Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying he is “the most corrupt Chief Minister in India” and accusing the BJP leadership of facilitating large-scale land transfers to corporates in the State.
Addressing an election rally in Bokajan in support of Congress candidate Raton Engti, Gandhi said that Sarma, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, had created a “land ATM” in Assam.
Gandhi claimed that three big corporate houses have been handed over a total of 98,400 bighas of land in Assam.
"These lands were snatched from the people. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Himanta Biswa Sarma have made a land ATM in Assam. They snatch land from the people and give it to big industrialists," he added.
Gandhi asserted that a Congress government would initiate action against the Chief Minister. “He may appear confident now, but he will fall silent once proceedings begin,” he said.
Talking about celebrated musician Garg, who died in Singapore by drowning in September last year, Gandhi said he stood for the state and its people. "He did not stand for one person, one community, one language or one history. He reflected the spirit of the multi-cultural, multi-religious tradition of Assam.
Once we come to power, we will deliver justice within 100 days, and it is 100 per cent sure," he added.
Gandhi also asserted that Congress believes in decentralisation, while the BJP is trying to run Assam from Delhi.
He said the Congress would fully implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution to grant greater autonomy to Karbi Anglong and other Sixth Schedule areas, ensuring governance by local communities.
Gandhi also slammed the India–US trade engagement, alleging that it had disadvantaged India by lowering tariffs on American goods and opening domestic markets.