Debabrata Saikia defends Gaurav Gogoi’s wedding gifts amid APSC scam revelations

Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has strongly defended Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi amid rumors surrounding wedding gifts following recent revelations in the Justice BK Sharma inquiry report on the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) scam.

Saikia stated, “Anyone can give gifts at weddings based on their capacity. Gaurav Gogoi has not accepted anything in return for these gifts, and there is no truth to the baseless allegations being made.” 

His statement came after accusations emerged linking gifts received at Gogoi’s wedding to former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and the APSC scandal, which is currently under investigation.

Saikia also addressed several key issues to be raised in the ongoing Assembly session. The Opposition leader emphasized that the government must provide clarification on pressing concerns, including the presence of arsenic in Titabor rice and the irregular salary payments to workers involved in the Jal Jeevan Mission. 

He stated, "These issues need urgent attention as they affect the health of the people and the livelihoods of many workers in the state."

Also Read: APSC 'cash-for-jobs' scam: Inquiry report exposes shocking corruption in 2013-2014 exams

Further, on the Justice BK Sharma inquiry committee's findings, Saikia expressed that the Opposition was not against the inquiry itself but had raised concerns over repeated delays in addressing the findings. "We have questions regarding the slow progress of the inquiry, and we demand accountability for those responsible for the corruption in the APSC," Saikia said.

The inquiry has made startling revelations regarding the malpractices within the APSC, including the sale of jobs, manipulation of exam results, and allegations of influential figures, such as the former CM and others, being involved in the corruption. The inquiry report notably mentions the role of former APSC chairman Rakesh Paul, who allegedly received gifts from a key figure involved in the scandal during Gogoi’s wedding.

Saikia condemned the government’s failure to hold accountable those involved in the scam, criticizing the promotion of officials connected to the scandal rather than punishing them for their actions. 

"Instead of facing consequences, these individuals have been rewarded. We demand justice for the people who were cheated during the selection process," he added.

Saikia also confirmed that senior MLA Bharat Narah would be unable to attend the current session due to health reasons.

As the session progresses, the Opposition is expected to continue pressing the government on these critical matters, demanding transparency and action.