Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 23 (ANI): Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Monday lashed out at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the latter's remarks defending a state minister for allegedly 'reaping benefits' from a government scheme and said that those who genuinely need support were excluded from schemes meant to uplift them.

'Rs 50 lakh of tax payer money was handed to a minister for his private dairy farm in Assam. The Chief Minister's brazen response? 'What will they do after losing power?'' Gogoi posted on X.

He further accused the Assam government of favouritism and said, 'This isn't the first time those close to this government have reaped outsized benefits. Meanwhile, those who truly need support - first-generation entrepreneurs, small farmers, the poor and marginalised - are left fighting for their rightful share, excluded from schemes meant to uplift them.'

Gogoi said that such incidents betrayed the oath of the Chief Minister's Office and accused the Himanta Biswa Sarma government of 'misusing' public money to secure 'private futures' and treating power as 'entitlement.'

'This is not governance, but rather a betrayal of the oath of office. Public money is misused to secure private futures, and power is treated as entitlement, not responsibility,' he added.

On Sunday, Sarma announced the beginning of 'Ambubachi Mahayog,' an annual celebration honouring the divine femininity of Maa Kamakhya. In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister Sarma shared that spiritual leaders and devotees from across the country would gather at the sacred Nilachal Hills to offer prayers. He welcomed pilgrims to Assam for a divine experience and to seek the blessings of Maa Kamakhya.

'Today marks the beginning of the #Ambubachi Mahayog, an annual celebration of Maa Kamakhya's divine femininity. Spiritual Gurus and devotees from across the country will dawn upon the sacred Nilachal Hills to pray for Bharat. I welcome all pilgrims to Assam & wish everyone a divine experience and the choicest blessings of Maa Kamakhya,' the post read.

Earlier on June 21, Sarma also dedicated two newly constructed district jails in Chirang and Baksa, further enhancing the region's infrastructure. (ANI)