Assam Congress slams state govt for denying 'Satyagraha', criticises gun policy

Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, on Thursday accused the state government of denying permission for a Satyagraha planned at Gandhi Mandap on Independence Day. 

Saikia said the Congress had sought approval to begin the programme at 11 a.m. on August 15, but the request was rejected without explanation.

Criticising the government’s recently announced arms distribution policy, Saikia said gun culture was never acceptable and urged the ruling dispensation to withdraw the scheme. 

“The government has appealed for the renunciation of arms and entry into public life — then why such a policy now? Earlier, such programmes were undertaken in various parts of the country but were stopped later. We request the government to reconsider,” he said.

On political alliances, Saikia dismissed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remark labelling Opposition leaders as “traitors”, pointing out that Sarma began his career in the Congress. He also questioned the BJP’s discomfort over the Assam Jatiya Parishad’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi, adding that the BJP itself had failed to fulfil its promise of implementing the Assam Accord “word for word”.

Also Read: Assam cabinet clears Rs 325 crore for Ayushman Asom, OKs major power & clean energy projects

Saikia further challenged the CM’s remarks on Village Council Development Committees (VCDCs), recalling that Sarma had worked with the BPF and UPPL for a decade. He demanded a special Assembly session to review “10 years of development” under the current regime.

The Congress leader also raised concerns over the continued charging of increased cancer treatment fees in the state despite the CM’s directive to roll them back. He urged the government to introduce a uniform “one-case system” across all hospitals in Assam to ensure fair treatment costs.

Meanwhile, the Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday approved a series of key measures aimed at strengthening healthcare, boosting energy security, and improving the business climate in the state.

To ensure continued access to free medical care under the Mukhya Mantri Ayushman Asom Yojana, the Cabinet sanctioned the remaining Rs 325 crore for its implementation in 2025–26, enabling uninterrupted cashless treatment for beneficiaries.