In a recent social media exchange, Gaurav Gogoi, Congress Member of Parliament from Assam, raised questions about the allocation of funds under the Kisan Sampada scheme by the Central government in Assam. Gogoi accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of using his influence to benefit his wife's company with a substantial Rs 10 crore credit-linked subsidy. This accusation has ignited a political firestorm, with Gogoi questioning whether central government schemes are being exploited for the enrichment of the BJP in Assam.
The Kisan Sampada scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the aim of doubling the income of Indian farmers, has been under scrutiny in Assam due to allegations of favoritism. Gogoi's assertion is based on documents purportedly from the Ministry of Food Processing's website, which display the name of Chief Minister Sarma's wife and confirm the approval of a Rs 10 crore government grant. Gogoi urged concerned citizens to report any potential website hacking to the Union Minister.
I would like to reiterate again with full responsibility that my wife and the company she is associated with have not taken or received any subsidies from the Government of India. https://t.co/PeDhTfrlZq
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 13, 2023
In response to these allegations, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to vehemently deny any wrongdoing. He stated, "I would like to clarify that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has ever received any financial subsidies from the Government of India." Sarma reiterated his stance in a subsequent post, "I would like to reiterate again with full responsibility that my wife and the company she is associated with have not taken or received any subsidies from the Government of India."
I would like to clarify that neither my wife nor the company she is associated with has ever received any financial subsidies from the Government of India https://t.co/oqGG21nEp6
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 13, 2023
The exchange between Gogoi and Sarma has left Assam residents divided and has sparked a debate on the transparency and accountability of government schemes. As the allegations continue to swirl, many are calling for an impartial investigation to determine whether there has been any misuse of the Kisan Sampada scheme in Assam.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as Assam is gearing up for important political developments, including local elections. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications not only for the political landscape of the state but also for the perception of central government schemes and their allocation across the nation.
Both Gogoi and Sarma have remained steadfast in their positions, leaving the public eagerly awaiting further developments and the results of any potential inquiry. As this story unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Assam, watching to see how this controversy will impact the political future of the state and the credibility of government schemes at large.