In the lush landscapes of Assam’s Jorhat district, 70-year-old Dharmashwer Gogoi voices his discontent with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His grievances highlight a growing sentiment among the elderly and marginalized communities who feel left behind by the government’s ambitious welfare initiatives. Despite promises of support, many like Gogoi find themselves struggling to access benefits that were supposed to uplift them.
Gogoi’s frustration is palpable as he recalls that none of the women in his family have been enrolled in the BJP’s flagship Orunodoi scheme, which guarantees a monthly cash transfer of ₹1,250 to numerous women across Assam. Additionally, he has yet to secure housing under the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. As the water table in his village continues to decline, he faces increasing expenses for drinking water, further straining his limited resources.
The senior citizen, who once cast his vote for the Congress party, shares his disappointment in the government’s failure to raise the monthly pension for senior citizens. “Surviving on ₹250 a month is incredibly tough,” he laments. As a farmer whose health has deteriorated with age, Gogoi finds it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. However, he does acknowledge a silver lining in the government’s land regularization scheme, which granted him ownership rights for 2.5 katha of his overall 3 katha land, a small victory in an otherwise grim landscape.
Gogoi’s story is not an isolated one. Across Upper Assam, many residents are beginning to voice similar concerns. The BJP’s welfare schemes are intended to provide relief and support, yet numerous beneficiaries report inadequate access or unmet expectations. Critics argue that while the government touts its achievements, the reality on the ground often tells a different story.
The impending assembly elections will serve as a litmus test for the BJP as they face an energized opposition, eager to capitalize on the discontent brewing in rural areas. The Congress and other regional parties are aiming to unite the voices of the dissatisfied, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in the government’s welfare programs.
As the political climate heats up, Gogoi’s sentiments reflect a broader trend of disenchantment among voters who had once placed their trust in the BJP’s promises of development and welfare. How the party responds to these challenges in the coming months may determine not only their electoral fate but also the future of Assamese politics.
