Gaurav Gogoi receives grand welcome in Kokrajhar, vows strong stand in BTC elections

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi received a grand welcome upon his arrival in Kokrajhar on June 22, as part of a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the party's foothold in the Bodoland region ahead of the upcoming Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.

Traveling via the Down Rajdhani Express, Gogoi arrived at Kokrajhar Railway Station where a sea of supporters gathered to greet him. Chants of "Gaurav Gogoi Zindabad" echoed across the station, creating a festive and high-spirited atmosphere. The crowd was so large that movement was nearly impossible as enthusiastic party workers swarmed the platform to catch a glimpse of their leader.

During his visit, Gogoi is scheduled to tour the Bashbari area to inspect the controversial land allotment of 3,400 bighas to the Adani Group—an issue that has sparked significant public and political debate. He will also visit the revered Mahamaya Temple, a key religious and cultural site in the region.

As part of his outreach, the Congress leader will address a public rally in Tulshibil, engaging directly with local residents and party workers to rally support and build momentum for the Congress campaign in the BTC region.

Addressing the media during his visit, Gogoi launched a scathing critique of the ruling BJP and BTC leadership, accusing them of favoring corporate interests over the welfare of the common people.

Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said, “People of Assam have not received land, but big corporate families like Adani and Ambani have. Under the guise of welfare schemes, ordinary citizens are handed Rs 1,000 or Rs 2,000, while ministers and their families walk away with benefits worth Rs 10 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, even Rs 30 lakh. Schemes meant for the poor have been hijacked by the families of ministers and MLAs.”

Gogoi also made it clear that the Congress party will contest the BTC elections independently, without entering into alliances, and will continue to focus on strengthening its organizational presence in the region.

His remarks are expected to raise the political temperature in the run-up to the BTC polls, signaling a more aggressive and grassroots-focused campaign strategy by the Congress.