Guwahati: Election campaign in Jorhat constituency has intensified with Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi hitting the ground pledging permanent land pattas for the poor if Congress forms the next govt.Addressing meetings at Raraiya Tini Ali, Hatkhola and Holongapar and sharpening his attack on BJP govt, Gogoi accused the ruling party of turning welfare schemes into tools of political loyalty.“Schemes are govt schemes, the money belongs to the people. It is not the CM’s personal fund. Public funds cannot be distributed based on praise or punishment,” he said.Gogoi, who is the candidate in Jorhat alleged that women are forced to attend BJP meetings and listen to Mann Ki Baat to receive Rs 1,250 under govt schemes. “This is not respect for women, it is an insult,” Gogoi said, promising that under a Congress govt, benefits would be delivered on time without political conditions.Highlighting failures in governance, Gogoi said schools are being shut while liquor shops are opening, medicines are unavailable in hospitals, and emergency services like 108 ambulances are faltering. He also alleged police are being instructed to reduce registered cases annually.On development, Gogoi pointed to villages lacking progress, drug problems spreading, and water pipelines without supply.He urged voters to reject “opportunistic politicians who switch between Congress and BJP,” saying such leaders enrich themselves while regions remain underdeveloped.Gogoi underscored the broader alliance with AJP, Raijor Dal, CPI, CPI(M) and CPI(ML), saying the coalition aims to build a new Assam based on inclusive development.
