Guwahati, Assam: The political temperature in Assam has significantly risen following explosive allegations by state Congress president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi concerning the state’s dairy subsidy scheme. Gogoi has accused the ruling dispensation of large-scale irregularities in the 2022–23 Assistance to Entrepreneur for Establishment of Commercial Dairy Farming scheme, claiming that a significant number of beneficiaries are relatives and associates of ruling party lawmakers, including those who allegedly received Gir cows originally designated for a public agricultural project.
In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gogoi has urged an immediate review of the scheme. He asserted that a substantial number of genuine dairy farmers, particularly from districts such as Bongaigaon, were unjustly overlooked despite meeting all eligibility criteria. Conversely, he alleged that family members of ministers and MLAs secured considerable benefits, with some reportedly receiving up to ₹50 lakh in subsidies.
The Congress leader did not hold back in his criticism of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, referencing Sarma’s previous justification that ministers’ families “would need income when out of power.” Gogoi stated that such pronouncements signify a blatant breach of constitutional values and the oath of office, further accusing the state government of engaging in political favouritism and a blatant misuse of public funds.
Adding another layer to his allegations, Gogoi brought the Gorukhuti Agricultural Project under intense scrutiny. He claimed that Gir cows, originally procured with public funds for this project, were illicitly diverted to private individuals with strong political connections. He specifically named a firm owned by the wife of minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, along with sitting legislators Bhupen Pegu, Utpal Borah, Diganta Kalita, and MP Dilip Saikia, who also holds the position of BJP’s state unit head, as beneficiaries of this alleged diversion.
Responding to these serious allegations, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma categorically dismissed any wrongdoing. He countered by claiming that the Gir cows, initially introduced by the National Dairy Development Board (NDBB) for the Gorukhuti project, began perishing due to climate incompatibility. Faced with a lack of buyers and the looming threat of further losses, project head MLA Padma Hazarika reportedly requested private individuals to purchase the cattle to save the animals. Sarma stated, “We should thank them for buying. Otherwise, there were no takers for these sick cattle.”
The Chief Minister also took aim at the media, accusing it of sensationalising the entire issue and drawing an analogy to a “cattle auction.” Sarma questioned whether formal procedures such as tendering or auction were truly necessary for what he termed ‘gau daan’ (voluntary cattle donation).
Further escalating his criticism, the Chief Minister alleged that media houses were deliberately ignoring more serious concerns, including illegal cow smuggling and pressing security threats. He claimed that a staggering 1,450 cattle were illegally slaughtered in Dhubri, and that Facebook accounts purportedly linked to the Assam Youth Congress were being operated from Saudi Arabia, all without attracting similar media scrutiny.
As these revelations continue to unfold, both political and public reactions remain dynamic, with opposition parties vociferously demanding complete transparency and rigorous accountability in all government schemes.