HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 27: With the Assembly elections approaching, political parties have intensified their preparations and the Congress has stepped up efforts to reclaim its base in Jorhat, once considered a party stronghold.
As part of the initiative, the District Congress Committee organised a programme titled “Save the Land of Change, Save the Nation” and took out a massive rally in the heart of Jorhat town on Friday. The rally was led by Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi. Through the programme, the district unit sounded its election campaign call in Jorhat. The streets echoed with slogans such as “Congress Zindabad,” “BJP’s deception will not be tolerated,” “Congress again in Jorhat,” and “Gaurav Gogoi Zindabad.”
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Prior to the rally, a press conference was held at the Jorhat Congress Bhawan, where Gogoi addressed the media. He alleged that under BJP rule, women in Assam have been confined within a “cage of schemes.” He claimed that during the Congress tenure, welfare schemes existed without restrictive conditions, whereas the BJP government has imposed various conditions for availing benefits.
He further alleged that women in Assam are dissatisfied and burdened by rising prices. According to him, women are pressured to attend BJP meetings to receive scheme benefits and that benefits depend on party affiliation. Gogoi accused the BJP of attempting to suppress women in the name of welfare schemes.
He asserted that the Congress would not tolerate such a “cage” and vowed to dismantle it, promising that schemes would be implemented without vested interests or conditions if the party returns to power.
Gogoi also alleged a rise in crime, an increase in liquor shops and growing drug use. He claimed that cases are not registered to project a reduction in crime at the national level and alleged that women are not receiving justice.
He further stated that women wish to engage in traditional muga silk business and weaving activities but are instead being given Rs 1,250 under schemes. He described the movement as a “journey of change” and said the Congress envisions a new and empowered Assam for women.
Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, who was also present, alleged that BJP government schemes are primarily election-oriented. He accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of reducing budget allocations for healthcare and said many women are suffering from anaemia, questioning how they could achieve economic prosperity if their health remains weak.
After the press conference, the rally began from Dos & Co in central Jorhat and passed through KB Road, Borpatra Ali, Barua Chariali, Malow Ali and JB Road before concluding near the historic Macharhat Bar Namghar. The MP later offered prayers at the Namghar and sought blessings before addressing a public meeting at the Sarbai Bandha Public Auditorium.
