In a press conference on Monday, Assam Congress president and Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi spoke at length about the developmental neglect in Sonitpur district and ongoing issues at Tezpur University. He also spoke about the urgent demand for justice for the late singer Zubeen Garg.
Addressing the media, Gogoi recalled the Congress initiative on October 10 at Guwahati’s Rajiv Bhawan, where the party shared its slogan, “Raijor Padulit, Raijor Congress,” with the people. “Just like during the Tarun Gogoi government, we wanted to know what the people want from the government and from the Congress. During our two-day visit to Sonitpur, it became clear that several sectors remain underdeveloped,” Gogoi said.
He spoke about the lack of proper educational infrastructure and said that Tezpur University is far from satisfactory. Schools, higher secondary institutions and colleges have not developed as expected. In the health sector, he said, even though Tezpur Medical College was built during the Congress tenure, facilities remain poor forcing patients to travel to Guwahati for treatment. 
Gogoi criticized the state government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying that despite claiming a “double engine government,” corruption persists and essential schemes and facilities are not reaching the people. “In this land of Bishnu Rabha, RSS politics is dominating. This is very disappointing,” he said.
Despite this, Gogoi said that the people of Sonitpur are raising their voices. “In Dhekiajuli, women’s groups are protesting against BJP ministers. Students in Tezpur University are demanding justice for Zubeen Garg. Local reporters are covering issues like unbuilt roads and stadiums. The people have not surrendered—they are standing up for what is rightfully theirs,” he added.
He spoke about the Congress’s future plans if the party comes to power, saying the feedback from people will guide their developmental agenda. He also urged citizens to safeguard their votes, pointing out alleged vote manipulation by the BJP.
On the ongoing Tezpur University controversy, Gogoi criticized Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. Students have alleged that they were prevented from holding condolence meetings for Zubeen Garg after his sudden demise on September 22. The VC reportedly dismissed student concerns, saying, “Don’t make things funny,” which sparked outrage. Gogoi demanded intervention from the Governor, the President of India, and the Prime Minister, noting the poor condition of university infrastructure, including water leaks and a library lacking books.
Gogoi also said that the people of Assam are united in demanding justice for Zubeen Garg. The Congress has launched the campaign #JusticeForZubeenGarg.
“The Vice Chancellor should listen to students and take action. Tezpur University has potential like IIT or IIM, but today, students face basic issues. We will take this matter to the highest authorities to ensure justice,” Gogoi said.
