Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi launched a scathing attack on the BJP and said that another controversial leader close to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has come under public scrutiny, after a viral audio clip allegedly linked to Palasbari BJP MLA Hemanga Thakuria triggered fresh questions over land dealings and political conduct in Assam.
The audio clip, which has been widely circulated on social media, is claimed to feature a conversation about commissions linked to land-related transactions. In the clip, a person alleged to be the MLA is heard speaking about payments in lakhs of rupees and referring to the concept of “benefit” from such deals. One allegation claims that ₹8 lakh was demanded as commission for each bigha of land. The speaker is also heard saying that he plans to continue as an MLA for the next 25 years.
The alleged clip has raised questions over whether an elected representative should be connected in any way with private land dealings or commission-based transactions. Many critics say the core issue is not only the financial figures being discussed, but also the suggestion that a public office may be used for private gain, if the recording is proven to be genuine. 
Reacting to the development, Assam Congress president and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi launched a strong attack on the BJP government in the state and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He said that “another controversial BJP leader close to the Chief Minister” had appeared in the news “for the wrong reasons.”
Gogoi went on to allege that the BJP government in Assam is marked by corruption, illegal syndicates and misuse of power. He referred to allegations ranging from commissions in land deals to issues involving foodgrain, cow and coal syndicates. Calling it “gundaraj,” he accused the state leadership of allowing such practices to flourish.
The Congress leader further said that his party would seek to remove what he described as corrupt forces from power, stating that change would come within the next four months. He also used the slogan “#NatunAxom,” indicating the party’s campaign message for what it describes as a new and cleaner Assam.
However, the MLA at the centre of the controversy, Hemanga Thakuria, has firmly rejected the claims.
Addressing the media at a press conference, Thakuria said the audio clip had been manipulated and was part of a targeted attack against him. He stated that vested interests were trying to damage his reputation because of the development work he claims to have carried out in his constituency, Palasbari.
He listed road projects and said there were also plans for major institutions, including the possibility of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the area. According to him, these developments have created political and personal rivalry, which has now led to attempts to malign him.
Thakuria also questioned the technical and factual authenticity of the audio. He pointed to a reference in the clip about 300 bighas of land and asked where such a large plot would even be available in Palasbari. Based on this, he argued that the clip had been edited and was being circulated with the intention of misleading the public.
