GUWAHATI, June 10: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday alleged that the BJP has systematically weakened democratic institutions by indulging in the politics of engineering defections solely to consolidate power.
Instead of creating self-made milestones, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should explain to the people why economic hardships continue to persist, Gogoi told reporters here.
The economic condition of ordinary citizens has deteriorated significantly and public sentiment is far from positive, but the ‘‘BJP is more focused on creating distractions and confusion among the public rather than addressing their real concerns,” he said in response to questions on the Prime Minister completing 12 consecutive years in office.
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“The BJP has weakened democracy and reduced politics to a game of breaking and poaching parties,” he said.
Regarding the recent developments in the Trinamool Congress after the West Bengal assembly elections, Gogoi alleged that despite already being in power, the BJP continues to engage in anti-democratic practices to acquire even more power by drawing leaders from other parties into its fold.
He alleged that the same had happened in Assam before the elections.
The Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the Congress would continue to oppose such actions with greater determination in the days ahead.
There is a specific reason why Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has retained the Information and Public Relations Department, he asserted.
“The BJP wants to control the media. There are growing concerns about how long media freedom will survive under such circumstances,” the Congress leader claimed.
He further alleged that the BJP rewards individuals accused of corruption rather than holding them accountable.
Criticising the recent expansion of the Assam Cabinet, Gogoi alleged, without taking names, that the BJP and the chief minister have sent a message that those involved in scandals and “syndicate activities” are more likely to be rewarded with influential ministerial portfolios.
“The message from the new Cabinet appears that honesty and integrity are no longer the qualities that lead to important ministerial responsibilities,” he said.
“People associated with the Gir cow scam in the state, the cattle syndicate, and corruption in the Assam Legislative Assembly have been rewarded with ministerial positions,” he claimed.
The scam refers to a controversy that erupted last year regarding the alleged misappropriation, diversion of funds and illegal sale of high-yield Gir cows imported for a state-run farm project.
Commenting on the rejection of the Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarjan’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha election in Madhya Pradesh, Gogoi alleged that the BJP is willing to go to any extent in its pursuit of power.
‘‘The Election Commission appears ready to act on allegations made by the BJP, even when they are based on incorrect information. However, genuine and evidence-backed complaints made by the Congress are often ignored,” he said.
He cited instances in Assam where Congress submitted documentary evidence regarding a candidate in Karbi Anglong who allegedly concealed information about criminal cases and another candidate in Dhekiajuli who allegedly failed to disclose complete details of assets.
“Despite clear evidence, no action was taken, and such an approach threatens the very foundation of democracy,” Gogoi said.
Regarding the NEET question paper leak controversy, Gogoi criticised the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for not accepting moral responsibility or resigning from his post.
“The BJP is always eager to take credit but reluctant to accept responsibility,” he added.
Gogoi said that the Congress has begun a series of review meetings aimed at strengthening the party at the grassroots level among Assam’s various communities and ethnic groups.
He said that he was confident that the Congress would re-emerge in a stronger and renewed form in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Assam. (PTI )
