Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Jan 1: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi on Thursday greeted the people of Assam on the occasion of the New Year and unveiled a five-point roadmap that the Congress plans to implement if voted to power in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said the party is ready to present a credible and people-centric alternative to the current government. He asserted that education and healthcare would be the top priorities of a Congress-led administration, with the goal of elevating Assam to the ranks of the country’s best-performing states in both sectors.
He said the Congress would focus on improving the quality of education and ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare services across the state. Another key focus area, he added, would be reforming and modernising the functioning of the government.
Gogoi claimed that government employees have been sidelined under the BJP-led regime and said the Congress would work closely with them to improve efficiency, morale, and service delivery.
Touching upon economic development, the APCC chief stressed the need for inclusive growth. He said development should not be limited to urban centres or benefit only a select group of large contractors, but must reach villages and rural areas to generate employment and sustainable livelihoods.
On the issue of law and order, Gogoi alleged that the situation in Assam has worsened in recent years. He said the Congress would undertake police reforms to ensure fairness and neutrality in law enforcement, alleging that the current system favours those associated with the ruling party.
Youth welfare, he said, would be another major pillar of the party’s agenda. Gogoi outlined plans to tackle drug addiction, expand skill development initiatives, and promote sports to positively engage young people across the state.
He also accused the BJP government of failing to complete several announced projects and reforms, adding that a Congress government would ensure time-bound implementation.
During the press interaction, Gogoi announced that the party has opened the application process for prospective Assembly candidates. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the APCC website and must be submitted at Rajiv Bhawan within 15 days along with a fee of Rs 50,000. He said the Congress is gearing up to contest around 100 Assembly seats.
Raising concerns over electoral fairness, Gogoi called for strict monitoring of the electoral process, alleging that some individuals may be registered as voters in Assam as well as in other states, following the release of the draft electoral rolls.