NewzVille Desk
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra today said that the Assam government was looting the wealth of Assamese people and handing it over to big industrialists and “one particular family”.
She alleged that the Assam Chief Minister was indulging in the politics of polarisation and dividing people. She said, he should explain to the people of Assam what he had done during the last five years and what he was going to do, instead of dividing people.
Talking to reporters on the conclusion of her two-day visit to Assam, the Congress general secretary said her party was committed to “positive and constructive politics” aimed at protecting Assam’s culture, identity and traditions. Compared to that, she noted, others were indulging in politics of hate, polarisation and personal attacks against political opponents.
Replying to a question on popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s death, Vadra said the issue should not be politicised as it is an emotional matter for the people of the state.
She described Garg as “the voice of Assam’s soul” and said the deep love and emotional connection people of Assam have with him was evident. “He sang for harmony, love, culture and identity of Assam. He was above politics,” she said, adding that when she paid her homage and respects to him, it was an emotional moment for her as well.
The senior Congress leader said Assam has been witnessing “violent and aggressive remarks being made every day”, which she termed contrary to the state’s culture and traditions. “This is not our culture. Zubeen stood for unity and harmony,” she said.
Maintaining that certain leaders in the state were indulging in petty politics, she referred to the manner in which Gaurav Gogoi and his family were being targeted over baseless allegations. “People of Assam understand why he is being attacked. They (his political opponents) are scared of him,” she claimed.
To a question on Rahul Gandhi appearing in a court case in Uttar Pradesh, Vadra said such actions by agencies like the ED and IT department have been happening for a long time. “For us, ED and IT cases are like a badge of honour,” she remarked, adding that similar harassment was being faced by Gogoi in Assam.
The Congress general secretary asked the Chief Minister of Assam to clarify what he has done for the people of the state during his tenure and outline his future plans, instead of engaging in divisive politics.
Stating that the youth want jobs and development, she expressed confidence that people would not be misled by propaganda. She appealed to the people of Assam to choose constructive and positive politics over hate and polarization.
