Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi has accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP-led government of seizing control over the constitutional powers granted to autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule, including Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong. Speaking at a press conference in Diphu on Saturday, Gogoi alleged that the state government is remotely controlling these councils from Dispur, undermining their autonomy.
Gogoi emphasized that the Sixth Schedule was designed to ensure administrative and financial independence for these regions, allowing local communities to govern their own development. “The core principle of the Sixth Schedule is decentralization of power. It should not be concentrated in Delhi or Dispur but should reach Diphu, BTR, and Dima Hasao,” he stated. He accused the Chief Minister of centralizing decision-making, leaving local councils powerless and dependent on “remote-controlled directives.”
Highlighting the Congress party’s commitment to decentralization, Gogoi contrasted the current situation with the tenure of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who established development and autonomous councils for communities like the Thengal Kachari and Rabha based on local input. “Tarun Gogoi empowered local leadership, even at political cost, by consulting senior leaders and organizations in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. Today, all power rests with Himanta Biswa Sarma,” he alleged.
Gogoi further criticized the weakened state of current council leaders, claiming they lack the authority to protect their communities’ rights and are compelled to follow the Chief Minister’s directives without dissent. He also accused Sarma of arbitrarily distributing council land and public resources, further eroding local governance. “How can the Chief Minister decide on council land and property as he wishes? Local leaders have been rendered powerless and lack the courage to protest,” Gogoi said.
Calling the issue a threat to the constitutional rights of indigenous communities, Gogoi warned that the tribal self-governance structure in Assam is under serious jeopardy. He vowed that the Congress party would escalate its protests against the state government’s interference in the autonomy of Sixth Schedule areas.
“This is not just a political matter; it’s about safeguarding the constitutional rights of our indigenous brothers and sisters,” Gogoi concluded, signaling a stronger opposition stance against the BJP-led government’s policies.
