New Delhi, April 8 A day before the Assam Assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the people of the state on Wednesday to vote for change, asserting that the polls are not just about changing the government, but also about eradicating violence, corruption, and hatred.
In a video message posted on X, Gandhi attacked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him the "most corrupt chief minister," and said he has crossed all boundaries while indulging in graft.
"This election is not just about changing the government, but about eradicating violence, corruption, and hatred. The chief minister of Assam is the most corrupt chief minister in India and has crossed all boundaries in corruption. The entire state knows this and understands this," the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
"The Congress has given you guarantees that within 100 days, we will ensure justice for Zubeen Garg's family. The second guarantee is of a new health insurance system for Assam under which every family would have a cover of Rs 25 lakh. We will create a new ministry for our senior citizens and every month, they will get Rs 1,250 as pension," he said in his video appeal to the people of Assam.
Women will get an unconditional bank account transfer and Rs 50,000 for starting a new business, the former Congress president said.
He further said the Congress has also promised to give permanent "patta" to 10 lakh people.
"Your chief minister takes away your land, we will give you the right to land. Support our candidates, ensure their victory and form a coalition government of the Congress," Gandhi said.
In his post on X accompanying the video, the Congress leader said, "An appeal to every family in Assam: do not endure corruption for a single day longer. Himanta has looted Assam -- Assam knows this, and the country knows this. Tomorrow is the day for change. Vote for the Congress alliance. Jai Assam, Jai Hind."
More than 1.5 lakh security personnel have been deployed as part of the arrangements for Thursday's polling in Assam that will decide the fate of 722 candidates hoping to enter the 126-member Assembly in the northeastern state.
Officials said 31,940 polling stations have been set up in 35 districts for the single-phase polling. Micro-observers have been deputed at sensitive polling stations.
The results will be declared on May 4.