Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi launched a fierce attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal, alleging that both leaders are politically aligned. Gogoi claimed their relationship resembles “two sides of the same coin,” accusing them of working together to block Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six indigenous Assamese communities.
Speaking at a public meeting on Sunday, September 7, Gogoi said the BJP government has consistently failed to deliver on its promise to grant ST status to the Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes. He argued that this delay reflects a deeper conspiracy aimed at depriving indigenous communities of their constitutional rights.
A Decade-Old Demand Ignored
The demand for ST status for these six communities has been a long-standing issue in Assam politics. Multiple governments have promised action, but the proposal remains stuck at the central level. Gogoi accused the BJP of using this issue as an election plank while failing to deliver concrete results.
“The BJP government has betrayed the trust of Assam’s indigenous people. They have repeatedly promised ST status, but when it comes to action, they delay and create confusion,” Gogoi said during his address.
Targeting the ‘Mama-Chacha’ Alliance
In a direct attack, Gogoi referred to Sarma as “Mama” and Ajmal as “Chacha,” a popular colloquial nickname often used in Assam’s political discourse. He alleged that their supposed rivalry is a façade, claiming both parties work in tandem to consolidate political power at the expense of Assam’s ethnic communities.
“The so-called rivalry between BJP and AIUDF is a drama. Both parties are part of a power nexus, and it is the people of Assam who suffer as a result,” Gogoi alleged.
This remark has intensified the ongoing political war of words in the state, where the BJP has often positioned itself as a strong opponent of AIUDF. Gogoi’s comments have sparked heated debates on whether the BJP is strategically using AIUDF as a political counterweight.
ST Status and Indigenous Rights
Granting ST status to these six communities has been a major political promise for years. Proponents argue that the recognition would provide much-needed protection, access to resources, and political representation for Assam’s indigenous groups.
Gogoi emphasized that without this recognition, these communities face economic and cultural marginalization. “ST status is not just about reservations. It is about protecting identity, language, and rights. Without it, these communities remain vulnerable to exploitation,” he said.
BJP’s Political Strategy Questioned
Gogoi accused the BJP of leveraging the ST status issue to gain electoral mileage while making no sincere effort to resolve it. He argued that BJP leaders, including the Chief Minister, have used promises of ST status during elections to secure votes but have not taken decisive legislative steps.
“The BJP uses emotional issues for votes but never intends to act. This is a betrayal of Assam’s indigenous people,” Gogoi remarked, urging voters to see through these political strategies.
Public Sentiment and Political Reactions
The issue of ST status continues to be a rallying point for many ethnic organizations and student bodies in Assam. Several student groups, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), have also criticized the delay, calling for a clear timeline for implementation.
Political analysts say Gogoi’s remarks are likely to energize Raijor Dal’s voter base and place additional pressure on the BJP to clarify its stance.
Building Pressure on the Government
Gogoi’s speech has renewed attention on the prolonged delay in granting ST status. He vowed to continue campaigning across Assam to demand justice for the six communities. “We will not stop until this demand is met. The people of Assam deserve answers, not empty promises,” he asserted.
Observers say Gogoi’s sharp criticism signals a more aggressive opposition stance in the lead-up to the next Assembly elections. With ethnic identity politics playing a major role in Assam, this controversy could shape voter sentiment in key constituencies.
Looking Ahead
The BJP is yet to issue an official response to Gogoi’s accusations, but the controversy has already made waves across the state. As Assam grapples with identity and migration-related debates, the ST status issue remains a litmus test for the ruling party’s commitment to indigenous rights.
Whether Gogoi’s statements will translate into political momentum remains to be seen, but his fiery speech has reignited a crucial conversation about representation, promises, and political accountability in Assam.