Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP, accusing it of weakening Assam’s higher education system by pushing political appointments in universities and academic institutions. He said the Congress would take these issues directly to the people as part of a new statewide outreach programme beginning later this month.
Addressing the media in Guwahati, Gogoi announced that the APCC will roll out a mass contact drive titled ‘Raijor Padulit Raijor Congress’ from December 20. Under the programme, all Congress MPs, MLAs and senior leaders will travel across the state to meet people at the grassroots level. Gogoi said the initiative aims to cover every village in Assam and listen to public concerns first-hand.
He described the programme as an effort to build a “new and progressive Assam” by involving citizens directly in shaping policies and priorities. To support this outreach, the Congress has also launched a dedicated website, www.natunaxom.com
, where people can share suggestions and feedback related to governance, development and public policy. 
Speaking on higher education, Gogoi alleged that the BJP government has caused serious damage to the academic ecosystem in the state. He claimed that individuals close to the ruling party have been appointed to key positions in universities and institutions, affecting academic freedom and quality.
“The BJP has pushed higher education towards destruction,” Gogoi said. He added that the Congress would engage with students, teachers and young citizens to understand their concerns and work towards protecting education from political interference.
On the issue of seat-sharing and alliances ahead of elections, Gogoi said such matters cannot be discussed publicly. He stated that internal discussions have already taken place within the party and decisions will be taken collectively. At the same time, he ruled out any alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), saying clearly that there is no possibility of a Congress-AIUDF tie-up.
Gogoi also claimed that dissatisfaction is growing within the BJP’s own organisation. He alleged that many BJP workers have not benefited from the government and that several are still waiting for land pattas promised to them.
Turning his attention to the BJP leadership, Gogoi said leaders in Delhi are worried about Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He further alleged that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is feeling insecure due to what he described as rising support for the Congress in the state. According to Gogoi, repeated political attacks against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are part of a deliberate attempt to damage their public image.
On the issue related to popular singer Zubeen Garg, Gogoi said that although a chargesheet has been filed, serious questions remain about the investigation. He said many legal experts have raised doubts about the fairness and accuracy of the probe and that these concerns cannot be ignored.
Responding to questions about Congress leaders joining the BJP before elections, Gogoi said such movements are common during election seasons. He pointed out that the Congress has its own joining programme held on the 10th of every month and claimed that several capable leaders with strong grassroots experience have recently joined the party.
Addressing allegations related to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), Gogoi said the Chief Minister has been repeating the same claims for more than a year without presenting any evidence. “He has failed to give proof,” Gogoi said, adding that the Chief Minister would eventually lose his position.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Assam, Gogoi raised questions over pending tribal status issues. He demanded an explanation on why tribal status was not granted even six months after assurances and why the related bill, despite being introduced in the Rajya Sabha, was not passed.
