Guwahati, August 28: Congress General Secretary Manoj Chauhan has made serious allegations against the state government regarding the flood situation in Assam. After a five-day tour of flood-affected areas in Upper Assam, including Charaideo, Jorhat, and Sivasagar, Chauhan claimed that there is political discrimination in the distribution of relief materials and the announced assistance of ₹15,000 to affected families. He also urged the central government to provide a substantial relief package for Assam.
Chauhan stated that he visited villages to meet flood-affected individuals, spending time with them from morning until night. While Congress and individuals are helping to the best of their abilities, he emphasized that the government has the budget and resources, making its responsibility greater.
He alleged that those perceived as BJP supporters or non-voters are reportedly being denied relief materials and the promised ₹15,000 assistance. Chauhan appealed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, stressing that there should be no discrimination during times of disaster. He expressed that it is deeply painful to differentiate between the sorrows and tears of flood-affected people. He called for the state government to ensure fair distribution of relief.
The Congress leader remarked that the scale of flooding this time in Upper Assam is unprecedented, as confirmed by elderly residents aged 80-85. He urged the central government to announce a significant relief package for Assam in light of this serious situation. Referring to the disaster in Nepal, Chauhan also requested the Indian government to coordinate with Nepal to assist stranded and missing Indians.
Due to the floods, many schools remain closed, and classes are being held in alternative locations. Chauhan noted that Congress service workers are actively supporting children in affected areas. Many families have lost their belongings in the floods, impacting children’s education. Congress workers are providing books and school bags, and efforts are underway to install computers in some schools. It may take another 10-15 days to restore normalcy, so the government should assist in quickly normalizing the education system.
Regarding the upcoming by-elections in Nagaon, Chauhan confidently claimed victory for Congress. He expressed no doubts about the election results, citing previous Lok Sabha election data where Congress led by approximately 250,000 votes in the Nagaon area. He mentioned that the youth and the new generation are standing with Congress and Rahul Gandhi in the current political climate.
On the topic of ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Chauhan stated that its implementation will not be easy. He accused the government of attempting to alter the number of electoral seats through delimitation for its political interests. Congress aims to maintain the current number of 543 Lok Sabha seats and advocates for steps towards one-third reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
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