‘Why northeast politically orphaned’: Congress poses 10 questions to BJP on Assam

With Home Minister Amit Shah visiting Assam, the Congress on Friday, January 30, 2026, asked 10 questions to the BJP and asked why the people of the state and the entire Northeast were “politically orphaned”.

Pawan Khera, head of the Congress’ media and publicity department, slammed the BJP, saying Mr Shah’s visit was a “welcome step” from a party known for ignoring the suffering in the northeast.

He said the Congress had 10 questions regarding the BJP’s 10-year rule in Assam and while there, the Home Minister should get answers from “his disciple ‘Bhumi-Bikreta’ Himanta Biswa Sarma”.

“(Prime Minister Narendra) Modi promised six months. Himanta promised five years. It’s been 12 years – why is there still no ST status for Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia and Tea Tribes/Adivasi?” Mr. Khera said in his post about: X.

Why did the government allow the sale of 1.5 lakh bighas of land belonging to indigenous people of Assam to supporters and why was CM Sarma given this latitude, he asked.

“Where are the jobs while lands, rivers and forests are being disposed of? Why are youth from Assam forced to migrate and face discrimination elsewhere?” The Congress leader said.

Khera also asked why Assamese identity was being eroded and why thousands of indigenous voters were disappearing from the electoral rolls.

The Congress leader questioned why there was still no MSP for Assam’s tea growers.

“After a decade in power, why is Assam still lagging behind in healthcare? Does your government not care about the welfare of the people of Assam? Why has poison entered Assam’s waters? What concrete steps have you taken to improve water quality?” Mr Khera said.

“You came with the slogan Jati, Mati, Bheti, but still you weakened Jati, sold Mati and betrayed Bheti. Why?” he said.

Mr. Khera asked why the people of Assam and the entire Northeast remain political orphans.

“Your foreign policy failures have brought Bangladesh closer to China and created new security and humanitarian challenges for Assam. Why?” he said.

“We have full faith in your legendary ability to find answers to these questions. We will continue to look to you for many more such answers in the coming months,” Mr. Khera said.

Mr. Shah reached Dibrugarh around midnight on Thursday, January 29, 2026 and was received by Chief Minister Sarma, Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, several State cabinet members and senior officials.

This is Mr Shah’s second visit to Assam since December 29, where the ruling BJP aims to retain power in the state for a third consecutive term in the upcoming Assembly elections.