Growing Turmoil: Assam Cow Controversy Demands Urgent CBI Intervention

A deepening political storm is brewing in Assam as opposition parties, primarily the Congress and Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), vociferously demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged rampant corruption surrounding the Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project. At the heart of this burgeoning Assam Cow Controversy lies the highly contentious sale of 90 Gir cows, purportedly procured for the state-run initiative, to individuals closely associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including the wife of a minister, a Member of Parliament, and several Members of Legislative Assembly. This development has cast a long shadow over a project once hailed as a beacon of agricultural revitalization and economic empowerment for the state.

The allegations, spearheaded by senior Congress leader Ram Prasad Sarmah and AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, point to widespread irregularities, significant misappropriation of public funds, and a glaring lack of transparency in the functioning of the Gorukhuti project. The conflicting statements from key government functionaries, particularly between project chairman Padma Hazarika and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have only fueled public suspicion and solidified the opposition’s resolve to push for an independent, high-level investigation. The very foundation of the project, born from a controversial eviction drive, is now being scrutinized under the harsh light of these grave accusations, making the Assam Cow Controversy a critical point of public discourse.

The Genesis of Gorukhuti: A Project Mired in Initial Discontent

The Gorukhuti Multipurpose Agriculture Project was launched in 2021 with much fanfare, envisioned as a transformative initiative spanning over 77,000 bighas of agricultural land. The project’s inception, however, was not without its own share of controversy. It followed a massive eviction drive in the Darrang district, primarily targeting Bengali-speaking Muslim residents, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a 12-year-old boy. This fraught beginning set a precedent for the project, which despite its noble stated goals of boosting milk production through high-yield Gir cows and creating employment opportunities, now finds itself embroiled in a fresh and more damaging Assam Cow Controversy.

Initial claims by both Chief Minister Sarma and Chairman Hazarika painted a rosy picture, asserting that milk production from the Gir cows at Gorukhuti would significantly contribute to Assam’s dairy demand. There was hope that the production of vegetables, fruits, and dairy products would revitalize the state’s rural economy. However, the latest allegations suggest a stark deviation from these ambitious targets, with concerns escalating around the massive misuse of public money and what appears to be a blatant politicization of the entire initiative, fueling the flames of the Assam Cow Controversy.

Unveiling the Allegations: The Core of the Assam Cow Controversy

The crux of the current Assam Cow Controversy lies in the alleged illicit sale and distribution of 90 Gir cows. These animals were reportedly purchased at considerable public expense for the Gorukhuti project but, according to the opposition, ended up in the private possession of influential individuals. Ram Prasad Sarmah detailed how funds seemed readily available for ministers and MLAs, yet seemingly insufficient to adequately support “gaushalas” (cowsheds) designated for proper bovine care.

The Congress leader emphasized that the process of distributing these cows circumvented established protocols and blatantly violated set rules. Among the alleged beneficiaries of this opaque distribution are the wife of a minister, BJP state president Dilip Saikia, and MLAs Bhubon Pegu, Diganta Kalita, and Utpal Bora. Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah himself confirmed in a recent press meet that 90 Gir cows from the Gorukhuti project were indeed sold to private individuals, including his wife, adding a layer of official acknowledgment to the swirling allegations. This confirmation, instead of quelling doubts, has intensified the Assam Cow Controversy.

Further compounding the complexity of the Assam Cow Controversy are the conflicting narratives emanating from within the government. Sarmah highlighted a “clear mismatch” in the statements of Padma Hazarika, the project chairman, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. While the Chief Minister reportedly attempted to defend the project, Chairman Hazarika allegedly admitted to being misled by the Agriculture Department on several critical fronts. Such discrepancies naturally raise red flags about the integrity and management of the project.

Demands for Justice: Opposition’s Call for a CBI Probe into the Assam Cow Controversy

Both the Congress and AJP have been unequivocal in their demand for a CBI probe, asserting that the allegations transcend mere administrative lapses and point towards serious corruption. Ram Prasad Sarmah, a former MP and advocate, stated, “There has been discrepancy in the statements made by the government functionaries. There have been allegations of serious corruption. We demand a CBI inquiry into the misappropriation and corruption in the Gorukhuti project.”

The opposition’s scrutiny extends to the procurement process itself. APCC Media Department Chairman Bedabrata Bora alleged irregularities in the tender process for the acquisition of 300 Gir cows from Gujarat through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Bora questioned the rationale behind entrusting NDDB with the procurement, demanding accountability for the death of some of the procured Gir cows. He specifically inquired: “Why were 90 of the newly procured 300 cows offloaded at the Rangiya station? Why were the cows distributed to ministers, MLAs, and BJP leaders without any public notice or tender? If 90 cows were distributed among ministers and MLAs, and 154 were returned due to illness, then how many remain after 56 cows have died?” These pointed questions remain unanswered, fueling the Assam Cow Controversy.

Furthermore, Bora revealed that a Congress party delegation attempting to visit Gorukhuti recently was blocked by BJP workers and the police, raising further concerns about transparency and the government’s willingness to allow independent oversight. The opposition also highlighted reports from a BJP worker who allegedly purchased one of the cows, claiming it produces only 5-6 litres of milk per day, significantly less than the 10-12 litres yielded by local breeds and Jersey cows. This performance discrepancy casts doubt on the project’s sustainability and the veracity of initial projections, adding another layer to the complex Assam Cow Controversy.

AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused the Assam government of “large-scale corruption” and described the situation as a “shameful act of sacrilege and betrayal of public trust involving the holy cow, revered as a mother in Indian culture.” Gogoi emphasized that this is not merely an administrative failure but an “unethical, irreligious, and deeply inhumane act that has hurt the spiritual and cultural sentiments of millions.” The AJP has also requested a forensic audit of subsidy disbursements and financial records related to all entities involved in the Gorukhuti project, intensifying the scope of the Assam Cow Controversy.

Broader Implications and the Path Forward for the Assam Cow Controversy

The unfolding Assam Cow Controversy has significant implications for public trust, accountability, and the effective utilization of public resources in Assam. A project initially envisioned to uplift the rural economy and ensure dairy self-sufficiency now faces accusations of becoming a vehicle for personal gain and political maneuvering. The alleged discrepancies in official statements and the lack of transparent processes have eroded confidence in the state’s governance.

As the opposition continues to press for a CBI investigation, the pressure on the Assam government to provide clear answers and ensure accountability will only mount. The Gorukhuti project, designed to be a symbol of progress, risks becoming a symbol of alleged corruption if a thorough and impartial inquiry is not conducted. The integrity of public projects and the faith of the populace in their elected representatives hang in the balance amidst this escalating Assam Cow Controversy. The people of Assam deserve full transparency and justice.