Demand for ₹10 Lakh Compensation Sparks Fresh Demonstrations Across Assam
In a dramatic escalation of Assam's flood relief debate, MLA Akhil Gogooi announced a series of protests to press the state government for a ten‑lakh‑rupee payout to every family devastated by the recent monsoon inundation. Gogooi, who leads the Rai Jor party, told reporters that his meeting with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma failed to yield any tangible promises regarding the revision of current disaster‑relief rules.
The MLA submitted a formal memorandum to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority on September 1, urging a revision of the compensation framework. According to Gogooi, the existing scheme—₹3 lakh for death and a token ₹2,500 for losses such as clothing, utensils, and minor property damage—does not reflect the magnitude of losses that include demolished houses, ruined farmland, and destroyed ponds.
A massive rally is slated for September 6 in Nazira, after which a nine‑day outreach from September 7 to 16 will see Rai Jor volunteers traversing flood‑affected districts, documenting damage, and interviewing victims. The campaign will culminate in a large gathering in Guwahati and a demonstration outside the chief minister's office on September 16.
Gogooi also highlighted the plight of small businesses and vehicle owners who suffered losses amounting to crores but lack insurance coverage. He insisted that the state should declare the floods a "major disaster" or a "national disaster" to tap into higher central assistance, a step he claims the government deliberately avoided.
To bridge immediate gaps, Gogooi intends to seek clearance for spending ₹1.5 crore from his MLA fund to distribute a one‑time assistance of ₹25,000 per resident in the hardest‑hit localities. He further accused Congress leader and MP Gaurav Gogooi of squandering available resources and failing to deliver adequate relief.
On the political front, Gogooi issued a direct challenge to both CM Sarma and MP Gaurav Gogooi, inviting them to contest him in Shivsagar. He affirmed his readiness to resign his seat if the situation worsens. The Rai Jor party maintains its objective to become Assam's principal opposition by the 2031 assembly elections, while confirming it will stay out of the upcoming Nagawara Lok Sabha by‑poll.