Akhil Gogoi Threatens Protest Over Flood Relief Delays in Assam

Dispur, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: Guwahati: Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi has threatened to lead a significant protest march to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's office next month if the Assam government does not address the needs of flood-affected families, particularly concerning delays in the disbursal of interim financial assistance.

His warning came as the Assam Cabinet decided on Sunday to release pending Rs 15,000 interim flood relief to eligible families in four Upper Assam districts starting September 1. The floods in Assam, which have been a recurring natural disaster, have severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of many residents, leading to extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. In recent years, the state has faced severe flooding, particularly during the monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September. These floods are often exacerbated by heavy rainfall, riverbank erosion, and the overflow of major rivers like the Brahmaputra.

During a press conference following a public meeting in Teok, Gogoi alleged that many flood-affected families in Jorhat’s Mariani have yet to receive assistance, more than six weeks after the floods. "Around 90% of flood-affected families in the Mariani constituency have not received the Rs 15,000 assistance even after 43 days. In Sivasagar, around 90% of the affected people have received the assistance after we pressed the government," Gogoi stated. This disparity in the distribution of aid has raised concerns among residents and local leaders about the efficiency and effectiveness of the government's response to the disaster.

Gogoi demanded the immediate release of emergency relief funds for 11 panchayats in Mariani and indicated that he would meet the Chief Minister on Monday to push for these demands. "If they are not met, then in September I will take at least one lakh people and gherao the Chief Minister's office," he declared. This statement reflects the growing frustration among the populace over the perceived inadequacies in the government’s disaster response mechanisms.

The Raijor Dal leader also called for a comprehensive survey of flood-affected families and a minimum compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each affected family. The need for thorough assessments of the damage and the number of families impacted is critical for formulating effective relief strategies. "The survey of the affected families has not been conducted. I demand that it be carried out and, after the survey, a minimum of Rs 10 lakh should be provided to each affected family," he insisted. This proposed compensation amount, while substantial, underscores the severe economic impact that flooding has had on the region, where many families rely on agriculture and small businesses for their livelihoods.

Gogoi also plans to raise the demand for including flood-affected families under the State government's Orunodoi scheme with the Chief Minister. The Orunodoi scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families, could play a vital role in helping those affected by the floods recover and rebuild their lives.

On the topic of agricultural land, Gogoi urged the government to restore farmland damaged by floods and accused the State administration of converting large tracts of agricultural land for industrial use. "The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government has, in the last year, converted 28,000 bighas of farmland into industrial land. This is like an attack on the Assamese people," he alleged. The conversion of agricultural land for industrial purposes has been a contentious issue in Assam, as it raises concerns about food security and the livelihoods of farmers, who are already facing challenges due to climate change and natural disasters.

He demanded the restoration of the land and recovery of agricultural areas damaged by floods. The restoration of farmland is not only essential for food production but also for maintaining the cultural and economic fabric of rural communities in Assam.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that the pending interim flood assistance would be released starting September 1. "The Cabinet today decided to release the Rs 15,000 flood interim relief to affected families across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat on September 1, to those who had failed to receive it in earlier installments," Sarma stated during a post-Cabinet media briefing. This announcement comes amid complaints regarding delays in the disbursal of assistance in several flood-hit areas. Earlier, on August 17, Sarma mentioned that around 3,000 families in Sivasagar constituency were still under verification. "If found eligible, they could be covered under a third phase of interim assistance, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to around one lakh families," he added. This indicates that the government is aware of the challenges in aid distribution and is working to address them, although the timeline and effectiveness of these measures remain to be seen.

As the situation develops, the actions taken by both the government and opposition leaders like Gogoi will be closely monitored by the public and media alike. The outcome of the proposed protest and the government's response to these demands will have significant implications for the political landscape in Assam, especially as the state grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters and their aftermath. The ability of the Assam government to respond effectively to these crises will be critical in maintaining public trust and ensuring the welfare of its citizens.