Calling Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma the "most corrupt CM" in India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that Sarma, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is running a "land ATM" in the state to give land to big corporates by snatching it from the public.
Addressing an election rally here in support of party candidate Raton Engti for Bokajan constituency, he also said popular singer Zubeen Garg stood for Assam and its people, and the Congress party will deliver justice to him for his death within 100 days of coming to power in the state.
"India's most corrupt CM is Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his family is also No 1 in corruption. The Congress government will take action against him. Though he is boasting himself now, he will be completely silent after that," Gandhi said.
He alleged that CM Sarma is running Assam through syndicates and is fully controlled by Modi due to his corruption charges.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha claimed that three big corporate houses have been handed over a total of 98,400 bighas of land in Assam.
"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 asserted.
Talking about celebrated musician Garg, who died in Singapore by drowning in September last year, Gandhi said the singer 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 and that power should be given to the local people, while the BJP is trying to run Assam from Delhi.
"That is the difference between the BJP and the Congress. People of different ideologies, identities, religions and castes live in Assam, which is like a bouquet of different flowers. We want people to live like this," he added.
"We promise to implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution fully. Karbi Anglong and all Sixth Schedule areas will be governed by the local people, not by Guwahati or Delhi," he added.
Gandhi asserted that all the rights and identity of the tribal population will be fully protected under the Congress government.
On the India-US trade deal, the Congress MP claimed it is a loss for New Delhi as taxes for American goods were lowered, and the Indian market has been opened by them.
Because of the trade deal, the agriculture sector has been opened to the US corporates and America is in a dictating position regarding India's purchase of crude oil, Gandhi stressed.
Gandhi also mentioned the party's "five guarantees", which include an unconditional monthly money transfer into every woman's bank account, along with an additional Rs 50,000 assistance to women willing to set up or expand a business.
The Congress, which is looking to wrest power from the BJP in the state, pledged Rs 25 lakh cashless health insurance for all families and permanent land pattas for 10 lakh indigenous people.
Besides, Rs 1,250 per month for senior citizens of the state and a dedicated department will be established to oversee matters concerning the elderly.
Giving justice to Zubeen Garg within 100 days of government formation is another "guarantee" by the opposition Congress.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9, while the results will be declared on May 4.
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