Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi has promised sweeping improvements in education and healthcare if the Congress forms the next government in the state, asserting that welfare benefits would reach all eligible beneficiaries.
Addressing supporters during the ‘Samay Paribartanar Yatra’ in Dibrugarh district on Sunday, Gogoi said a Congress-led government would prioritise strengthening schools and healthcare facilities across Assam, including in tea garden areas.
He added that the party aims to create opportunities for women through the promotion of small-scale enterprises to help them become financially independent.
Taking a swipe at the ruling BJP, Gogoi alleged that welfare benefits are currently being extended selectively. He claimed that under a Congress government, eligible women would receive scheme benefits directly in their bank accounts without being required to attend any political meetings. He assured that existing welfare initiatives would be expanded and implemented more transparently.
The Congress leader reiterated his party’s commitment to building what he described as a “new greater Assam” by fostering unity among all communities, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. He emphasised that the yatra was not merely an election campaign but an effort to directly engage with citizens and understand their concerns.
Sunday’s leg of the march began in Naharkatia and moved through the Duliajan and Tingkhong constituencies, featuring a padayatra and a bike rally. During the visit, Gogoi met members of the Ghinai Baptist Christian community in Dibrugarh and lit candles at a church, offering prayers for peace and well-being.
He was joined by Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Pradyut Bordoloi, and former MPs Paban Singh Ghatowar and Ripun Bora, among other party leaders.
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The yatra is scheduled to continue on Monday, covering Makum, Doomdooma, and Margherita in Tinsukia district.
Elections to the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly are expected to be held in March-April this year.
