Naoboicha (Assam), March 29 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced his party's "five guarantees" for the upcoming elections in Assam, with a focus on women's welfare, healthcare for all, land rights, and justice in the Zubeen Garg death case.
He also criticized the BJP-led government in the state, accusing it of rampant corruption and working "to fill the coffers" of its leaders and their families.
Addressing a rally in Naoboicha, Lakhimpur district, Kharge listed the party's 'five guarantees', which include a monthly cash transfer to women, along with an additional Rs 50,000 for women who want to start or expand a business.
"Our transfer will be unconditional. It will not be like what the BJP government is doing, where women are asked to be members of their party," he said.
The Congress, which is aiming to take power from the BJP, pledged Rs 25 lakh in cashless health insurance for all families, permanent land deeds for 10 lakh indigenous people, and Rs 1,250 per month for senior citizens of the state.
"We also pledge to ensure justice in the Zubeen Garg death case within 100 days if Congress comes to power," Kharge added.
Alleging rampant corruption by the BJP-led government in the state, the Congress president claimed that even the family members of the party's leaders are involved. He claimed that the BJP was "using its 'double engine' in Assam to loot and fill the coffers of its leaders in Delhi".
Hitting out at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Kharge said that he was a "'nakli' (fake) CM" as the BJP had fought the 2021 elections with Sarbananda Sonowal at the helm. "But after the elections, Sarma removed tribal leader Sonowal to grab the Assam CM's chair," he claimed.
Kharge also alleged that Sarma's government was intimidating people and creating a fear psychosis, and trying to divide the people of the state.