Guwahati, July 10: Akhil Gogoi, leader of Raijor Dal, has sharply criticized Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, for his recent visit to Assam amidst severe flood conditions. Gogoi accused Khattar of neglecting the plight of flood-affected residents and instead, indulging in leisure activities.
Khattar, during his visit on July 8, visited the Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre and engaged in activities like feeding fishes, which Gogoi condemned as a display of insensitivity towards the people suffering due to the floods. Gogoi emphasized that such actions reflect a disregard for the severe challenges faced by Assam during the flood season.
“Cherishing the beauty of the Brahmaputra and feeding fishes while Assam is reeling under severe floods is sheer disrespect towards the people of Assam,” remarked Gogoi in a scathing statement against the Union Minister.
Highlighting the tragic incident of eight-year-old Avinash Sarkar’s death after falling into a drain in Guwahati, Gogoi pointed out that Khattar’s visit coincided with this unfortunate event. He criticized the timing of Khattar’s visit, alleging it demonstrated the Centre’s apathy towards the northeastern states.
Gogoi further criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Avinash Sarkar’s family, labeling it as mere “drama” that insulted the sentiments of the Assamese people. He stressed the urgent need for tangible actions to address the flood crisis, denouncing what he perceived as indifference from the central and state governments.
The remarks by Akhil Gogoi underscored growing discontent and frustration among residents and political leaders in Assam over the handling of flood relief efforts amid ongoing natural calamities in the state.
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