Guwahati, Feb 20: Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin has rejected the 20-point “chargesheet” brought against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government, describing it as a personal exercise by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Responding to the Congress document, Momin said it was effectively a chargesheet by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, and claimed that the party had already faced defeat in previous elections. He predicted that in 2026 the Congress would secure its lowest-ever tally in the Assembly polls.
The chargesheet was unveiled by Priyanka Gandhi on February 19 at the Manvendra Sharma Complex in Guwahati. It was prepared by a committee led by MP Pradyut Bordoloi. According to party leaders, five teams travelled across Assam, interacting with grassroots organisations, indigenous communities, business groups and intellectuals to compile public grievances.
Among the key allegations are the existence of a “syndicate raj” in Dispur, protection to rat-hole mining, and claims that Assam has become a corridor for smuggling drugs and banned goods through international borders. The document also refers to alleged syndicate fees imposed on commodities such as timber, coal, sand, Burmese betel nut, poultry and spices at checkpoints to ensure smooth transit.
State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said Priyanka Gandhi’s involvement demonstrated the party’s seriousness about the elections. Bordoloi maintained that the document reflected allegations voiced by people across Assam against the state government.
Leaders of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also responded to the development. MLA Aminul Islam described the chargesheet as a positive step and said the Congress had taken the elections seriously. Another party MLA, Rafiqul Islam, urged Priyanka Gandhi to visit Assam more frequently, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah regularly tour the state.
The political exchanges come as parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with opposition groups seeking to consolidate minority and anti-incumbency votes while the BJP defends its record in office.
