Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Thursday concluded his day-long hunger strike in Guwahati, mounting pressure on authorities for enhanced relief and compensation packages for families affected by the recent deluge in Upper Assam.
Shift of Protest Venue Following Police Intervention
Gogoi initially began the demonstration at a designated site in Dispur, showcasing visual evidence of widespread flood devastation. However, following intervention by law enforcement personnel, the protest site was subsequently relocated to Ganesh Mandir. The demonstration formed a core part of Raijor Dal's ongoing campaign demanding greater financial assistance, structured rehabilitation, and administrative accountability regarding the disaster.
Criticism of State and Central Administrations
The Sivasagar MLA launched a scathing attack on both the Assam government and the Centre, accusing them of failing to mount an adequate response to the catastrophe. Gogoi alleged that numerous affected households either remained empty-handed or required substantially higher financial compensation to recover from extensive property and livelihood losses.
Accusations Regarding Political Priorities
Gogoi claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite making major commitments during election campaigns, failed to visit the flood-hit regions of Upper Assam or assess conditions in remote pockets following the deluge. He further asserted that the Centre neither announced special assistance packages for distressed communities nor issued statements expressing concern over the destruction.
Focus on Upcoming By-Election Diverting Attention
The Raijor Dal leader alleged that state ministers, ruling party leaders, and MLAs were preoccupied with the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, while flood-hit families continued to struggle for basic government support and intervention.
Core Demands Raised by Raijor Dal
The party has placed forward several firm demands, insisting on immediate cash assistance ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for every flood-impacted family. Furthermore, Raijor Dal has sought compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each household whose home or property was destroyed, alongside equivalent compensation for affected business establishments.
Call for CBI Investigation and Future Protests
In addition to financial relief, Gogoi demanded a CBI investigation into the Upper Assam floods to uncover the underlying causes of the devastation and fix accountability. The MLA warned that the agitation would be significantly intensified if the government failed to address these grievances. The party has already announced plans for a large-scale demonstration in Guwahati on September 23 if the demands remain unfulfilled.
