Guwahati, March 30: Assam minister Pijush Hazarika has launched a sharp critique of the Indian National Congress, alleging that its recently announced election guarantees replicate welfare initiatives already implemented by the BJP-led state government.
The remarks came after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled a five-point guarantee package at a rally in Lakhimpur on March 29, promising monthly financial support for women, ₹50,000 assistance for entrepreneurship, ₹25 lakh health insurance coverage per family, a ₹1,250 monthly pension for senior citizens, and land rights for 10 lakh indigenous people. The Congress also committed to ensuring justice in the case related to Zubeen Garg within 100 days if voted to power.
Responding on social media, Hazarika claimed that the proposals were a “copy-paste” of schemes introduced under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing initiatives such as the Orunodoi scheme, Mission Basundhara and the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Yojana. He argued that instead of presenting an alternative development roadmap, the Congress was relying on programmes already executed by the current government.
Hazarika also questioned the financial feasibility of the Congress promises, asking how the party intended to fund them and warning against what he described as fiscal mismanagement. He referenced developments in Himachal Pradesh to underscore his concerns over sustainability.
The minister further criticised the Congress for not addressing the issue of reclaiming encroached land, alleging that the omission was politically motivated. According to him, the BJP has prioritised the recovery of large tracts of land in its own agenda.
At the same rally, Kharge accused the BJP-led administration of corruption and misuse of its “double engine” governance model, while also alleging internal political sidelining within the ruling party.
The exchange highlights an intensifying political contest in Assam ahead of the Assembly elections, with both parties focusing heavily on welfare-driven narratives while escalating their rhetoric on governance and policy priorities.
