Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday, August 29, accused the Assam government of large-scale irregularities in the distribution of flood relief materials and financial assistance to affected people. He also demanded the immediate suspension of Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Debashish Sharma.
Speaking to the media in Morigaon district, Gogoi alleged serious discrepancies in the distribution of relief materials in Sivasagar and Nazira.
Gogoi claimed that tarpaulins distributed among flood-affected families were of poor quality and unfit for use. He alleged that the tarpaulins had been purchased with government funds and claimed that irregularities in their procurement and distribution pointed to a scam.
The APCC chief also alleged that cooking oil supplied as part of the flood relief package was repackaged before being distributed to beneficiaries. He claimed that government officials were involved in the alleged repackaging and subsequent distribution.
Gogoi further questioned the disbursement of the Rs 15,000 one-time financial assistance announced for flood-affected people. He alleged that beneficiary lists included fake Aadhaar numbers, raising questions over the verification process and the handling of relief funds.
During the media interaction, Gogoi also made indirect remarks concerning state minister Pijush Hazarika, referring to an allegedly expensive vehicle worth around Rs 1.5 crore and a costly wristwatch.
The Congress leader also levelled allegations against Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Debashish Sharma, claiming that the officer was using his official position to favour the BJP.
Gogoi demanded Sharma’s immediate suspension and called for action over what he described as political interference in the functioning of the district administration.