Addressing an election rally in Karbi Anglong in support of Congress candidate Raton Engti for the Bokajan constituency, Gandhi said the constitutional provision would empower local communities to govern themselves.
“Once Article 244(A) is implemented, no one from Guwahati will rule the people of Karbi Anglong,” said Gandhi. “The power to take decisions will rest with you.”
Gandhi described Article 244(A) as a safeguard for indigenous rights and a mechanism to ensure decentralised decision-making.
“We brought Article 244(A) because we believe decisions must be taken locally,” he said. “Your leaders will govern you and ensure your rights are protected.”
Gandhi accused Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and alleged that governance in the state is being controlled by the Centre.Gandhi alleged that land across the state is being taken away from people and handed over to large corporate groups. “Three big corporate houses have been given around 98,400 bighas of land in Assam,” he said. “This land was taken from the people. Assam has been turned into a land ATM.”
He said the Congress would provide monthly financial assistance to women and Rs 1,250 to senior citizens. He also promised permanent land documents to 1 million indigenous people in Assam, replacing the existing system of annual allotments. The party also pledged a cashless health insurance cover of Rs 25 lakh per family.
Referring to the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore last year, Gandhi said the Congress would ensure “justice within 100 days” if voted to power, calling the artist a symbol of Assam’s plural identity.
He also criticised the BJP‘s governance model, alleging excessive centralisation, and took aim at the Centre over economic policies, including the India-US trade deal, which he claimed was unfavourable to India.
