A fresh political and social confrontation is set to unfold across Assam as Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar legislator Akhil Gogoi declared an indefinite statewide protest starting October 2. The agitation centers on allegations that the state administration failed to meet its commitments regarding the timely delivery of financial compensation to families ravaged by recent inundations. The lawmaker asserted that the protest will persist without pause until every displaced household across the affected riverine belts receives the promised financial aid.
Expiry of the Distribution Deadline Set in Guwahati
The push for widespread agitation follows the passing of an October 1 cut-off date that had been designated for completing cash relief disbursements. That timeline was announced during a massive public rally convened at the Chachal Dharna Ground in Guwahati on September 23. According to party representatives, the deadline lapsed without the government fulfilling its pledge, leaving thousands of displaced flood victims without immediate monetary assistance.
Relief Gaps Across Four Upper Assam Districts
Highlighting the scale of non-delivery, Gogoi stated that between 30% and 40% of devastated families in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat districts have not received the pledged Rs 15,000 interim financial assistance. Furthermore, citizens residing in severely impacted parts of Sivasagar and Charaideo have reportedly missed out on the supplementary Rs 10,000 special relief grant earmarked for critical zones. Alongside the release of these arrears, the Sivasagar MLA is demanding Rs 10 lakh in comprehensive compensation for every family whose dwelling and assets suffered severe destruction across the four districts.
Formal Representation to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
In a formal communication dispatched to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gogoi documented the deteriorating plight of displaced populations residing in makeshift settings. Emphasising that democratic demonstrations will intensify from Gandhi Jayanti, Gogoi affirmed,
“The government’s deadline has passed, leaving nearly half of the flood victims empty-handed. We are launching this agitation on Gandhi Jayanti to fight democratically for the rights and survival of our people.”The letter urged immediate intervention to clear pending relief disbursements.
Sustained Protests and Prior Hunger Strike
The forthcoming statewide action marks the escalation of a protracted advocacy drive launched by Raijor Dal. Earlier on September 17, Gogoi conducted a day-long hunger strike at Ganesh Mandir Udyan in Ganeshguri, pressing for enhanced rehabilitation packages across three Upper Assam districts. That demonstration was initially staged in Dispur with photographic documentation of flood damages before police authorities intervened, prompting a relocation to Ganesh Mandir. The party maintains that transparency, administrative accountability, and adequate compensation remain non-negotiable prerequisites for flood recovery.
