Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi met party workers and community leaders at Bongaon in Boko on Monday in a gathering that drew representatives from Guwahati city, Kamrup district, and Goalpara district. The interaction was held to strengthen the party’s organisational work and to listen to the concerns of local communities.
The meeting saw a large presence of members from the Rabha community. One of the key highlights of the event was the formal joining of former All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU) president Ramen Singh Rabha in the Indian National Congress. Party workers welcomed him, saying his entry would strengthen the party’s base in tribal areas.
Speaking at the programme, Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He said that the present government was treating tribal leaders as “mere puppets” and was trying to take away the rights of tribal people. Gogoi alleged that tribal communities in Assam were facing increasing injustice and oppression. He also claimed that the government’s main intention was to make it easier for outsiders to take over tribal lands, which he said would harm the identity and future of indigenous groups. 
During the event, Gogoi also commented on Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi’s recent remarks made after his meetings with several political parties on November 12. He said that Akhil Gogoi changed his stand again on November 14, and this showed confusion within the Raijor Dal leadership. He further criticised AIUDF leader Badruddin Ajmal, saying the AIUDF had become the “108 service of Himanta Biswa Sarma,” implying that the party acts in support of the ruling government whenever needed.
Alongside political discussions, the gathering also highlighted a cultural tribute planned for November 18. A special programme titled Kanchenjunga will be held at Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia Higher Secondary School in Panjabari, Guwahati, to mark the birth anniversary of late singer Zubeen Garg. The event will feature performances by well-known artistes, including Joi Baruah and Maitrayee Patar. Many more performers are also expected to participate.
Gaurav Gogoi urged all party workers across booth levels to plant Nahor saplings on Zubeen Garg’s birth anniversary as a mark of respect to the legendary singer. He said this would be a simple and meaningful way to honour Garg’s contribution to Assamese music and culture. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) will also invite students from different colleges in Guwahati to join musical tributes showcasing Zubeen Garg’s songs.
