Assam BJP has hit back at Congress general secretary in charge of Assam Bhupesh Baghel after he criticised the state government over flood relief and rising prices, calling his remarks “laughable” and politically motivated. The exchange has added a fresh layer to the growing political contest in Assam ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election.
Baghel, who was recently appointed Congress general secretary in charge of Assam, made the comments during his visit to the state on September 12. He urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to focus on flood-affected people and rising prices instead of political issues outside Assam.
Assam BJP rejects Baghel’s flood criticism
The Assam BJP response came as the ruling party defended the state government’s flood-relief measures and questioned the Congress leader’s criticism.
Baghel had alleged that people affected by floods were not receiving adequate relief despite Assam having a “double-engine government”. He also described this year’s flooding in parts of Upper Assam as a “man-made disaster”, alleging that illegal mining had worsened the situation in areas including Sivasagar and Jorhat.
The BJP has rejected the political framing of the issue, maintaining that relief and rehabilitation efforts have been underway across affected areas. The state government has also announced direct financial assistance for flood-hit families.
Flood relief becomes a political flashpoint
Flood management has emerged as a major political issue in Assam this year. Baghel alleged that families whose homes and belongings were destroyed by floods were paying the price for what he described as government failures.
He also linked the flood situation to alleged illegal mining and questioned decisions concerning the Kaziranga eco-sensitive zone. These claims have provided the opposition with a platform to attack the BJP-led government ahead of the Nagaon by-election.
The state government, however, has pointed to its relief measures. On September 1, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Rs 25.12 crore had been transferred as interim assistance to 16,746 flood-affected families in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat. Each affected family received Rs 15,000.
The Centre has also maintained that assistance is being provided. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the flood situation with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, while an inter-ministerial team was sent to Assam to assess the damage and support relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Price rise adds another political battle
Baghel also targeted the government over the rising cost of essential commodities. He specifically mentioned petrol, diesel, cooking gas and sugar, arguing that the government should provide relief to households facing higher expenses.
He further claimed that farmers were struggling to obtain chemical fertilisers and were sometimes forced to pay high prices for them.
The price-rise issue is likely to remain politically significant as both parties seek to connect with voters on household economic concerns. For the BJP, the challenge is to highlight its welfare and development measures while countering allegations of rising costs. For Congress, such issues offer an opportunity to attack the government on its record.
Nagaon bypoll raises the political stakes
The dispute comes at a significant time for Assam politics. Baghel’s visit was also linked to Congress preparations for the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9. Congress has begun consultations to finalise its candidate and election strategy.
The BJP has already named former IAS officer Debashish Sharma as its candidate, while Congress is expected to announce its nominee after internal discussions.
Baghel said Congress meetings involving its Political Affairs Committee, vice-presidents, Pradesh Election Committee, MLAs and observers were being held before the final candidate list is sent to the All India Congress Committee.
His comments on floods and prices are therefore being made against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive political environment in the state.
BJP and Congress sharpen their campaign narratives
The latest exchange reflects a broader effort by both parties to define the issues that will dominate the Nagaon contest. Congress is focusing on flood relief, prices and alleged governance failures, while the BJP is seeking to defend the government’s record and portray the opposition’s attacks as politically driven.
For voters, however, the key questions are likely to remain practical: whether flood relief reaches affected families quickly, whether damaged infrastructure is restored and whether essential commodities remain affordable.
As the Nagaon by-election approaches, the confrontation between the Assam BJP and Congress is expected to intensify. Baghel’s criticism has given the opposition a clear set of issues to campaign on, while the ruling party is likely to highlight its relief measures and administrative response. The coming weeks will show whether the dispute over floods and prices becomes a decisive electoral issue or remains part of the wider political battle in Assam.