BJP plans to turn Assamese people into 'beggars': Gaurav Gogoi

GUWAHATI: "BJP intends to make the Assamese people dependent on government cash doles", Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP representing Kaliabor in the Lok Sabha, said today.

"They fear that if they speak up against Himanta Biswa Sarma or the BJP, they will be deprived of these government handouts as the current dispensation is known for its vindictive nature. We, however, will govern everyone equally -- irrespective of whether they voted for us or not," Gogoi said, launching the first leg of the manifesto building campaign here today.

https://www.facebook.com/1660881447544914/videos/1040661233084871

"Today, BJP wants to turn the people into beneficiaries by making them dependent on the government for hand-outs. The economic condition is so pitiful due to GST and other catastrophic economic stratagems that they have to look to the government for Rs. 830 provided under the government's Orunodoi scheme. What people want is to be self-independent and economically stable. However, the BJP wants to deprive them of the power to earn, which is something that we are vehemently opposing," charged Gogoi.

ALSO READ: Breaking: Akhil Gogoi’s mother hospitalized after deterioration in health

Gogoi appealed to people from all walks of life to come out and make a short artistic video laying out Assam's problems and upload it along with the hashtag #AssamBachao. These videos, the MP said, will help the Congress formulate its manifesto for the ensuing elections in Assam -- tentatively scheduled in April.

Training his crosshairs at the rival BJP camp and its 'PPP' ideology (political party-people), Gogoi stated that the Congress' only partnership will be with the common citizens of the state.

"I promise that the manifesto committee [of the Congress] shall listen to every single voice and take each and every suggestion into consideration. We will evaluate the content and also give away the prices. We will give them gifts -- such as i-phones, cashback, etc. after coming to power, we will seek feedback from the people as well. We will try to ensure that everyone's suggestion is implemented in governance," the MP promised.