Govt Schemes for Poor, Not Ministers’ Families: Gaurav Gogoi

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaurav Gogoi has raised serious questions over the alleged disbursal of government subsidies to the family of Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah. The controversy centers around the allocation of substantial financial aid to a private cow farm reportedly linked to the minister's wife.

Addressing the media, Gogoi said, “They ask for votes in the name of cows, and today their true intentions have come to light. If a minister’s family member wants to start a business, let them—but why don’t they go to banks or microfinance institutions like ordinary citizens do?”

Highlighting the disparity, Gogoi questioned why common citizens are made to queue up for small loans and face financial scrutiny, while influential political families seem to receive direct support through public welfare schemes. “There are thousands of genuine cattle farmers in Assam, but not all of them get subsidies. Why, then, are ministers' wives getting Rs 30 lakh under a scheme meant for the poor?” he asked.

Taking a direct jab at the state’s much-publicized ‘Lakhpati Baideo’ scheme, Gogoi remarked, “The Chief Minister talks about empowering women with Rs 1,250 per month under this scheme. On the other hand, women in ministers' families—who wear lakhs worth of gold—are receiving Rs 30 lakh in government support. Is this what the BJP calls 'Parivartan' (change)?”

Gogoi also criticised the selective beneficiary model, alleging that BJP leaders and their close associates are being inserted as primary recipients in various welfare schemes. “These schemes are meant for the poor, for unemployed youth, for farmers, for real cattle rearers—not for those already in power. How is this justice?” he demanded.

Calling it a betrayal of public trust, the Congress leader said, “People pay income tax, GST, rising electricity bills, and toll taxes. That money is meant to help the common man, not to fund businesses run by ministers’ families.”

Gogoi's remarks come at a time when the state government is under increasing scrutiny over transparency and equity in disbursal of subsidies.

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