Rahul vows Article 244(A) implementation, targets BJP over land in Karbi Anglong

Guwahati/Bokajan, April 2: With campaigning intensifying ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, promised greater autonomy for indigenous communities in Assam, pledging full implementation of Article 244(A) if the Congress returns to power.

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. The power to take decisions will rest with you,” he said.

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. Your leaders will govern you and ensure your rights are protected,” he added.

Sharpening his attack on the BJP-led government, Gandhi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and alleged that governance in Assam is being controlled by the Centre.

In a strongly worded speech, he also alleged that land in the state was being “snatched” from people and handed over to large corporate groups.

Naming business houses linked to Gautam Adani, Mukesh Ambani and yoga entrepreneur Baba Ramdev, Gandhi claimed that substantial land parcels had been allocated to them for various projects.

“Three big corporate houses have been given around 98,400 bighas of land in Assam. This land was taken from the people. Assam has been turned into a land ATM,” he alleged.

He further said a Congress government would act against alleged corruption. “Those who are speaking loudly now will fall silent. Action will be taken,” Gandhi said.

Outlining the party’s welfare promises, Gandhi said the Congress would provide monthly financial assistance to women and Rs 1,250 to senior citizens.

He also promised permanent land pattas to 10 lakh indigenous people, 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 artiste 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 arrangement, which he claimed was unfavourable to India.

With the Congress stepping up its pitch in key tribal regions, Gandhi’s remarks underscored the party’s attempt to foreground autonomy, land rights and welfare as central election issues in Assam.

With inputs from PTI