Assam: In a charged demonstration against the BJP-led central and state governments, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Wednesday launched the “Raj Bhavan Chalo” campaign, part of a nationwide movement spearheaded by the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
The protest, led by APCC Chief Bhupen Borah, brought together senior Congress leaders and party workers from across Assam to challenge what they called rampant corruption and crony capitalism under the BJP regime.
The protest centered on allegations of financial misconduct tied to industrialist Gautam Adani, as well as concerns over Assam’s mounting debt under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The campaign evolved into a high-energy demonstration as Congress leaders criticized the BJP’s governance, comparing it to colonial exploitation and demanding immediate accountability.
APCC President Bhupen Borah launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani, claiming they operated as a single entity. “At one time, we thought Gautam Adani and Narendra Modi were two different individuals, but today it’s clear they are one – ‘Modani.’ Together, they have tarnished India’s global reputation,” he said. Borah highlighted findings from U.S. judicial bodies and the FBI, which have accused Adani of corruption, and questioned why Indian agencies like the CBI and SEBI remain silent. “Are they simply following orders from their leader, Modi?” he asked.
Leader of the Opposition in Assam, Debabrata Saikia, likened the BJP’s governance to the exploitative practices of the East India Company. “The BJP government has betrayed the people after securing their votes, working solely for the benefit of industrialists,” he said. Saikia accused the BJP of prioritizing the wealth of a few over constitutional values, citing international findings of Adani’s fraudulent activities as a glaring example of inaction by Indian authorities.
The protest was part of a larger nationwide effort by Congress to expose alleged corruption under the BJP government and demand action against Gautam Adani. APCC leaders also used the occasion to address other pressing issues, including the ongoing unrest in Manipur. They accused the Union government of failing to resolve the crisis, further compounding the nation’s challenges.
Ahead of the march, a strategic meeting was held at Rajiv Bhavan, where Bhupen Borah, district committee presidents, and senior party leaders, including AICC’s Jitendra Singh, mapped out the protest plans. The session reinforced the party’s resolve to hold the BJP accountable for what they termed “officially endorsed corruption.”
As Congress workers marched toward Raj Bhavan, barricades set up by the Assam Police failed to deter their progress. In a dramatic moment, Congress MLA Diganta Barman collapsed while crossing a barricade, symbolizing the intensity and determination of the protest. Reacting to the police’s actions, Bhupen Borah said, “Assam Police seems more interested in protecting corruption than the people.”
Through their demonstration, Congress leaders reiterated demands for action against Adani, a rollback of the state’s smart meter initiative, and measures to address Assam’s rising debt. The protest marked a decisive moment in the APCC’s efforts to challenge BJP governance and amplify the voices of the people.
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