Assam Congress President and Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi today criticised the Assam government over its move related to granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of the state. Speaking to the media, Gogoi said that the entire issue has been handled in a way that has created confusion and disappointment among the people who are concerned about the matter.
Gogoi said that the state government has not yet placed any bill in the winter session of the Assembly regarding the proposed ST recognition. He claimed that instead of taking a clear stand, the government is trying to gain political mileage from the issue. According to him, the Group of Ministers (GoM) report, which deals with the classification of the current ST population and the communities that may be eligible for inclusion, has not been received well by anyone.
“The GoM report classifies the current ST population and the communities eligible for ST status. No one can be happy with this report,” Gogoi said. He added that if Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeks any suggestion in writing, the Congress party will give its response. But he stressed that the government must first be transparent about what it wants to do. 
Gogoi also called the Chief Minister “anti-tribal,” saying that the government has failed to safeguard the interests of tribal groups in the state. He questioned why the government has not yet provided land to the tea community people despite the land allotment law already being in place. According to him, the lack of progress on this issue raises concerns about the government’s sincerity.
Gogoi further spoke about other matters in the state. He said that the Election Commission has still not responded to questions raised earlier by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He stated that such silence only weakens public trust in important institutions.
The Congress leader also criticised the handling of the Zubeen Garg murder case. He alleged that the main accused, Shyamkanu Mahanta, is being given special protection by the authorities. He said that people deserve a fair investigation and clarity on the case.
Gogoi also said that the government needs to act in a more open and responsible manner. He said that sensitive issues like tribal rights, land distribution, and criminal investigations should not be used for political gain. Instead, he urged the government to make decisions that will benefit all communities of Assam in a fair and just way.
