Nazira/Tingkhong (Assam), April 1 Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that "only one family is exploiting" the state's rich resources, while the people "have nothing".
Vadra also alleged that the BJP government is functioning by threatening the people.
Addressing an election rally at Nazira in support of Leader of the Opposition and party candidate, Debabrata Saikia, she launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being a "puppet" of the US.
"Only one family is exploiting Assam. And when they are not exploiting, mines, land, and other assets are being handed over to big industrialists," Vadra claimed.
Alleging massive corruption on every front during the BJP-led government in Assam, she raised several old scams, such as Sarada, Smart City, and NC Hills.
"The BJP claimed they have given a 'double-engine' government. In reality, it is a 'double-slavery' government. PM Modi is serving the interests of the US, and Himanta Biswa Sarma is serving the interests of Modi," Vadra claimed.
She also criticized the BJP government for failing to fulfill the promise of increasing the daily wages of tea garden workers, emphasizing that the people from the gardens are struggling in the same way.
"Various tribal communities have been demanding ST status for years. The BJP had promised to grant them this status, but they failed to do so," the Lok Sabha MP said.
She also alleged that women in Assam are being forced to attend rallies organized by the PM and CM, with threats that their names will be removed from various government schemes, especially the flagship poverty alleviation scheme 'Orunodoi'.
"PM Modi and CM Himanta are ruling the country and state with fear and threats. Our fight is against this fear, and for protecting Assam's culture and civilization," Vadra asserted.
Addressing her second election rally at Tingkhong in support of her party candidate Bipul Gogoi, Vadra said that Assam has land, mines, history, nature, forests, and all other resources.
"This land has given you everything. But still, the people have nothing. Only one family is prospering in Assam," she told the gathering.
The Congress leader alleged that the state is being exploited by "mafias and syndicates," and that the government is functioning by threatening the people.
Vadra also said that popular musician Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore while swimming in September last year, was the voice of Assam, and he sang for brotherhood, unity, and love.
"But the Assam government has not given justice to his family. We want to bring in a government that will give justice to Zubeen Garg within 100 days," she asserted.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly will be held on April 9, while the results will be declared on May 4.