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Rahul Gandhi Calls Sarma India’s Most Corrupt CM

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of corruption and pursuing divisive politics, as campaigning gathered momentum ahead of the Assembly elections.

Addressing a public rally in Biswanath, Gandhi alleged that Sarma was “the most corrupt Chief Minister in the country” and criticised him for fostering an atmosphere of hatred. “The Chief Minister of Assam spreads discord and makes deeply irresponsible statements,” he asserted.

He further warned that stringent legal action would follow if the Congress returns to power. “Regardless of how far he runs today or tomorrow, he will be held accountable. He will have to apologise before the people of Assam, but there will be no leniency—legal proceedings will be initiated,” Gandhi declared.

Invoking Assam’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, Gandhi said the state rightfully belongs to iconic figures such as Srimanta Sankardeva, Bhupen Hazarika, Gopinath Bordoloi, Azan Fakir, Tarun Gogoi, and Zubeen Garg—describing them as enduring symbols of unity, harmony, and inclusiveness.

“Zubeen Garg devoted his life to uniting Assam and never propagated hatred. That is the essence of Assam’s culture. Yet today, deliberate attempts are being made to divide society,” he remarked.

Emphasising the state’s pluralistic fabric, Gandhi highlighted the importance of communal harmony. “Assam is home to people of diverse communities and languages, and its true strength lies in brotherhood, mutual respect, and love,” he said.

He also accused the state government of functioning in the interests of select corporate groups, alleging that land was being appropriated from local communities and handed over to businesses. In this context, he targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that Assam had effectively been turned into an “ATM” for a privileged few.

Outlining the Congress party’s commitments, Gandhi announced that tea garden workers would be guaranteed a daily wage of ₹450, and that Scheduled Tribe status would be extended to six communities. He further accused the incumbent government of failing to deliver on its previous promises.

Gandhi’s remarks come amid an intensifying war of words between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party, as the state enters the final phase of election campaigning. This marked his second visit to Assam within three days. Earlier, on April 2, while addressing a rally in Karbi Anglong, he had pledged enhanced autonomy for indigenous communities, promising full implementation of Article 244(A) of the Constitution if Congress returns to power.

“Once Article 244(A) is implemented, governance will no longer be dictated from Guwahati. The power to make decisions will rest with the people of Karbi Anglong,” he affirmed.