Guwahati: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi have voiced concern over the flood situation in Assam, urging the Centre and the state govt to intensify rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.In a post on X, Rahul said on Monday, “The news of the death of several people in the devastating floods in Assam is deeply saddening. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My heart goes out to the lakhs of people affected by this calamity.”Rahul said Assam faces destructive floods every year, resulting in widespread loss of lives and property. “Now is the time for us to establish a robust and sustainable system to deal with floods. Such a system that scientifically prioritises prevention, early warning systems, strong infrastructure and rehabilitation — so that people do not face such tragedies every year,” he said.Kharge said Congress is standing in solidarity with families who have lost crops, homes, livestock and livelihoods. He cited official figures indicating that nearly 10 lakh people across 25 districts have been affected, with at least 68 deaths reported. He called for the immediate release of substantial financial assistance from the PM-CARES Fund for Assam and sought adequate compensation for affected families.The Congress president also questioned the BJP over its earlier assurances to make Assam flood-free. Referring to the party’s 2016 Vision Document and its 2021 Assembly election promise, he asked why those commitments remained unfulfilled despite a decade of BJP rule. “Ten years of BJP rule have now passed. What happened to those solemn promises? Why has Assam’s so-called ‘double-engine govt’ failed to build a comprehensive flood-control, erosion-management and rehabilitation system?” Kharge asked.Kharge said Assam needs a long-term, scientifically planned flood management strategy incorporating modern early warning systems, stronger and well-maintained embankments, wetland restoration, accountable river basin management, climate-resilient infrastructure and proper rehabilitation for displaced families.He appealed to Congress leaders, party workers and volunteers to extend every possible support to flood-hit people and participate in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts during the crisis.
