Who is Mati-Khaiti and Gakhir-Khaiti, According to Lurinjyoti Gogoi?

Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the state government over the ongoing controversy surrounding the Gir cow procurement for the Garukhuti Agricultural Project, demanding a CBI investigation and the immediate removal of Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah from his post.

Addressing the press, Gogoi said, “There is widespread discussion and public concern regarding the Gir cow scam. Several questions remain unanswered. Who approved the decision to procure Gir cows despite the lack of proper infrastructure such as cowsheds? Was any scientific study done to ascertain whether these cows could adapt to Assam’s environment or produce more milk under such conditions?”

The AJP leader claimed that these critical questions were submitted to the Chief Minister long ago, but there has been no response to date. “While CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed the cows were dying and hence sold, Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah stated they were transported from the Rangiya Railway Station. Padma Hazarika, who oversees the Gorukhuti Project, distanced himself entirely, claiming it has no link to the issue,” he said.

Gogoi also pointed out the silence of Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, who was present during the MoU signing with the National Dairy Development Board at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra. “Why is he silent now? Is this not a matter of public accountability?” Gogoi questioned.

He further alleged that the involvement of BJP ministers like Jayanta Malla Baruah, Bhuban Pegu, and others necessitated an impartial probe. “We have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a CBI investigation. Until the probe is completed, Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah must be relieved of his responsibilities,” Gogoi said.

'From Gakhir-Khaiti' to Mati-Khaiti: Lurinjyoti Targets Minister’s Wife

Taking a sharp dig at Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah’s wife, Gogoi alleged large-scale land acquisition in Tezpur and Nalbari in her name, dubbing her not just a “mati-khaiti” (one who grabs land) but also a “gakhir-khaiti” (one who grabs land), referring to the cow sheds allegedly registered under her name.

“In a state where the common people are crushed under high electricity bills and increased toll charges, how is it that families close to power are amassing wealth while the public grows poorer?” he asked. “Buying land, opening schools, and setting up dairy farms in the names of their wives is not love, it is corruption wearing a mask of affection.”

Gogoi questioned the ongoing land evictions and asked, “When will similar steps be taken against the ministers and their families who hold questionable land assets? If this government is serious about justice, it must begin with its own house.”

The AJP has demanded a full-fledged inquiry into both the Gir cow controversy and the alleged land scams involving ministers’ families, warning that public patience is wearing thin.

Also Read: Padma Hazarika Reveals How Gir Cows Went to MLAs, Ministers