“Will Akhil Gogoi’s hypothetical govt take loans?”: Pijush Hazarika questions opposition’s economic plan

Assam Minister and BJP leader Pijush Hazarika on April 4 launched a sharp attack on opposition leaders, questioning the financial viability of their promises and dismissing the Congress manifesto as repetitive.

Taking aim at Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, Hazarika questioned how a potential opposition government would manage its finances. He challenged Gogoi to clarify whether such a government would rely on loans, pointing out that opposition parties often criticise the BJP for borrowing.

“I want to ask Akhil Gogoi, in his hypothetical government, will they take loans or not? They keep blaming us for taking loans,” Hazarika said. He further questioned whether opposition-ruled states such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana should also stop borrowing, arguing that loans are a necessary part of governance.

He also raised concerns over funding welfare schemes, alleging that if a future government attempted to extend benefits like the Orunodoi scheme to people of alleged Bangladeshi origin, it would face serious financial constraints.

Turning his criticism towards the Congress, Hazarika described its election promises as “copy-paste guarantees,” claiming that the party was merely replicating existing BJP schemes with marginally higher benefits. “BJP is giving ₹3,000 under Orunodoi; they promise to give more. BJP is giving Ayushman Cards; they say they will give more. What is new in this?” he questioned.

Citing Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh as an example, Hazarika alleged that the state government was struggling financially and unable to pay salaries to ministers and MLAs, calling it a reflection of the “Congress model” of governance.

The remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges in Assam as parties sharpen their narratives ahead of the upcoming elections.