5 Guarantees in Congress Manifesto: Justice for Zubeen Garg in 100 Days if Voted to Power in Assam

Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, on Sunday (March 29) launched the Manifesto for Assam and announced five key “guarantees” for Assam if the party comes to power. Kharge also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the state Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, 2026.

Addressing a public rally in Nowboicha, Kharge said the Congress is committed to delivering welfare measures without conditions and ensuring equal benefits for all sections of society. He claimed that similar schemes have already been implemented in states where the party has governed.

The five guarantees announced by Kharge are:

1. Unconditional monthly cash transfers to women’s bank accounts. Rs 50,000 financial assistance for women to start or expand businesses.

2. Cashless health insurance cover of up to Rs 25 lakh for every family.

3. Justice within 100 days in the case related to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.

4. Permanent land pattas for 10 lakh Indigenous people of Assam.

5. Rs 1,250 monthly financial assistance for senior citizens.

Among the major promises, Kharge announced unconditional monthly cash transfers to women’s bank accounts. He further clarified women would receive Rs 50,000 financial assistance to start or expand their businesses. “It does not matter which party you support. Every woman is equal and will benefit,” he said, drawing a contrast with what he described as “conditional” schemes of the BJP.

The Congress President further promised a cashless health insurance cover of up to Rs 25 lakh for every family. He said such initiatives have been carried out in states like Karnataka, Rajasthan and Telangana, and assured that Assam would receive the same if Congress forms the government.

In a significant announcement, Kharge said justice would be delivered within 100 days in the case related to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. He stated that a Congress government would investigate and identify those responsible for his death.

Another key assurance included granting permanent land pattas to 10 lakh Indigenous people of Assam, replacing the current system of annual pattas. According to Kharge, this would reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide long-term security to indigenous people.

Adding to the list, he then announced Rs 1,250 per month for senior citizens, describing it as a measure to provide financial security and dignity to the elderly. Kharge said the scheme would ensure a steady source of income for older people, many of whom depend on others for their daily needs.

Kharge used the platform to strongly criticise Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, calling him a “betrayer” and “backstabber” who, he alleged, left the Congress for personal gain rather than public service. The remarks were seen as a direct reference to Sarma’s shift from the Congress to the BJP in the past.

He also attacked the central leadership, referring to Narendra Modi and accusing the BJP of corruption and dishonesty. Speaking in Hindi, Kharge alleged that leaders were seeking votes for individuals “who betray, lie, grab land and are involved in corruption,” and described the ruling party as “lootera” and used a sharp metaphor, calling the one “sitting in Delhi” as “Ali Baba” and others in the party as “chalis chor”.

Highlighting his own political journey, Kharge said he rose from grassroots-level block committees to become the AICC President, stressing that loyalty and commitment to the party enable growth. “Our workers serve the public,” he added.

The Congress leader concluded by appealing to voters to support his party, promising a “Notun Bor Axom” that is strong, self-reliant and secure, where the rights of every individual are protected.

Assam is set to witness a crucial electoral contest on April 9, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4. The outcome will determine whether the BJP retains power under Himanta Biswa Sarma or if the Congress stages a return to government, as Mallikarjun Kharge claims.