The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has intensified its statewide protests alleging large-scale corruption and irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship drinking water scheme. Leading the protest in Dhemaji town, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to uncover what he described as serious financial misconduct and administrative failures under the scheme.
The protest in Dhemaji was part of a broader campaign being carried out across Assam under the banner of the Congress party’s public outreach initiative, “Raijor Padulit–Raijor Congress.” Congress workers and leaders gathered at several locations in Dhemaji to draw public attention to what they said were non-functional or incomplete JJM water supply schemes. During the demonstration, party workers pasted stickers on defunct water supply installations with slogans such as “Nal Ase Jal Nai” (There is a tap but no water) and messages accusing the government of misusing public funds under the scheme.
Addressing party workers and local residents, Gogoi questioned the government’s handling of funds released for the Jal Jeevan Mission. He said that while crores of rupees have been sanctioned and released in the name of providing drinking water to households, many villages are still waiting for regular water supply. “Contractors have not been paid their bills, and ordinary people have not received water. The question is simple—where has all the money gone?” he asked. 
Calling for transparency, Gogoi urged the state government to place a white paper before the public detailing the total funds released, the number of schemes sanctioned, and the current status of implementation. He said only an independent investigation by the CBI could bring out the truth. “Whether it is a Union minister, a state minister, or any other official, whoever is involved must be identified and punished as per law,” Gogoi said, adding that public money cannot be allowed to disappear without accountability.
The APCC said similar protest programmes were organised in several districts across the state as part of its campaign against corruption. Party leaders stated that the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was launched to ensure safe drinking water for every rural household, has failed to deliver on its promise in many areas of Assam. According to the Congress, incomplete works, poor-quality construction, and irregular payments have left people frustrated and angry.
Alongside the protests, the Congress continued its “Raijor Padulit–Raijor Congress” programme, which focuses on direct interaction with citizens to understand their problems and expectations. As part of the programme, Gaurav Gogoi visited the Dhemaji District Mahila Congress office, where he held meetings with representatives of various organisations. He interacted with senior citizens, women’s groups, and members of different associations, listening to their grievances and suggestions.
Party leaders said these interactions are aimed at collecting public feedback that will be used while drafting the Congress manifesto for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. Gogoi told participants that the party wants its manifesto to reflect the real issues faced by people at the grassroots level, including drinking water, employment, health services, education, and rising prices.
Similar public interaction programmes were held on the same day in Tezpur, Barak Valley, and Donkamukam in Karbi Anglong district. Senior Congress leaders Ripun Bora and Mira Borthakur, who recently covered the two hill districts, have already begun preparations to extend the outreach to other parts of the state.
In Sonitpur district, manifesto-related discussions were held at Tezpur under the leadership of Campaign Committee Chairman Bhupen Bora and AICC General Secretary Manoj Chauhan. Representatives from various sections of society, including advocates, senior journalists, Gorkha community members, and senior citizens, took part in the discussions. Participants shared their views on what they believe should be the priorities of the Congress party ahead of the 2026 elections.
The meeting in Tezpur was attended by several senior party leaders, including MLAs Bhaskar Baruah and Nandita Das, APCC Working President Pradeep Sarkar, former MP Madhab Rajbongshi, Sonitpur District Congress President Kartik Kurmi, and former district president Dadul Borkotoky. The programme was conducted by Sampurna Saikia, party leaders said.
Meanwhile, in Barpeta district, manifesto committee discussions were held under the leadership of Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia and Prithviraj Sathe. Saikia held meetings at the Barpeta Circuit House with leaders and members of various organisations, including AASU, AMSU, Sachetan Nagarik Mancha, and local clubs. Issues such as unemployment, corruption, education, and basic civic amenities were discussed in detail during the meeting.
The APCC said the outreach programme will continue in the coming days. On Monday, Gaurav Gogoi is scheduled to collect public opinions in Lakhimpur district, while Bhupen Bora will hold similar interactions at Biswanath Chariali.
