Assam: Chief Minister shielding those accused in APSC scam, claims Akhil Gogoi

Sivasagar MLA  Akhil Gogoi  on November 6 said that in the  APSC Scam in the 2013-2014 batch, the then chairman, Rakesh Paul, and some ministers who were involved in the case were released on bail by the Himanta Biswa Sarma BJP led government. Speaking at a press conference Gogoi raised serious concerns about how the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appeared to be shielding those accused in the scam.

Gogoi stated, "It is now very clear and evident how the BJP government is trying to save the accused. Himanta Biswa Sarma's government gave a clean chit to the then chairman, Rakesh Paul, who was involved in the scam. During Sarbananda Sonowal's tenure, Rakesh Paul could not come out of jail. After Himanta Biswa Sarma became Chief Minister, Rakesh Paul was released. Not only Rakesh Paul but also most of the people accused in the APSC scam are no longer in jail. This is a matter of concern."

The MLA went on to highlight that twenty-four officers who currently hold positions were allegedly involved in corruption and secured their jobs with supporting evidence. This revelation has raised questions about the government's stance on corruption, as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claims to be against it.

Switching gears, Akhil Gogoi also criticized the government's financial decisions. He remarked, "By borrowing, the BJP eats ghee honey. What else will the chief minister who goes for a wedding in a helicopter do!"

Additionally, Gogoi expressed his concern regarding the revenue collection practices of the government, particularly through transportation fines. He alleged, "The chief minister collects Rs 80 lakh a day through vehicles of the transport department. These are the chief minister's donation parties. I have paid ten thousand rupees in Kaziranga in a month. The government has no revenue other than just liquor and car fines."

The MLA stated the need for a new political landscape in Assam, suggesting a fierce political rivalry between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Badruddin Ajmal, referring to them as potential "enemies" in the upcoming political landscape.