Not happy as MLA, I am an activist: Akhil Gogoi

The first-time MLA from Sibsagar constituency claimed that he is alone in criticising and protesting the 'anti-people' decisions of the government as other opposition parties have become 'silent' 

Akhil Gogoi.: File Picture

PTI   |   Guwahati   |   12.03.23  : Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi, who became a sensation in the state by winning Assembly polls from jail in 2021, on Sunday said he is not happy being a legislator and missed his activist days, when the former peasant leader could raise "people's issues" more "directly and strongly".

The first-time MLA from Sibsagar constituency also claimed that he is alone in criticising and protesting the "anti-people" decisions of the government as other opposition parties have become "silent".

"I am not happy with this post of MLA. I am an activist. I fight against all anti-people activities of the central as well as the state government," Gogoi told PTI in an interview.

Raijor Dal, Gogoi's political party, has been fighting against various issues such as the corporatisation of resources, what he claimed was a "fascist" atmosphere, and "communal and undemocratic spirit" of governance.

Asked specifically if there was more scope of fighting for people's causes while he was an activist, Gogoi said: "I was more happy in the days of activism. Now, I am a legislator.

"In the Assam Assembly, I am the only (one in) opposition who fights against this government. We have 51 opposition MLAs. But many in the opposition voted in favour of BJP in the Rajya Sabha and Presidential elections." When pointed out that there were allegations that he had voted for BJP during the President's election, the Independent MLA denied the charge and claimed that he has been fighting against the "BJP's communal and casteist politics all along".

Gogoi started his social life by starting the peasant organisation Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and raised a series of issues relating to the farmers’ livelihood and settlement for almost two decades.

He had filed a number of RTI applications and court cases on a range of issues, including land rights, and exposed a number of scams in Assam.

The former KMSS leader and his group had also organised protests and agitations, including against NHPC's 2,000 MW Subansiri hydropower project, Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and toll gates on National Highways, across the state.

"I fought against all the concepts of the Central Government and BJP. I think all the opposition MLAs are not fighting against this government strongly. I am alone fighting boldly," Gogoi asserted.

"In all the sessions, I always fight against the communal spirit. In Assam, there is some anti-Constitutional, anti-democratic work … like the ‘fake encounters’ and eviction of minority people (from settlements which have been declared illegal by the state)," Gogoi alleged.

When asked if he will contest again in 2026, the Raijor Dal chief pointed out that the election is a medium through which he can spread his ideology.

" It's a question of democracy and I shall definitely fight the 2026 elections against this government," he added.

Gogoi expressed reluctance to give a direct reply to a query on his chances of winning in 2026.

"See, I am not a professional politician… I am a simple man and I always fight against communalism and fascism. We are trying to restore the values of the Indian Constitution and democracy."

"So, this question of winning or not winning is not a question for me," he said.

Gogoi was arrested by the NIA in December 2019 for his alleged role in violent anti-CAA protests across the state. The NIA was investigating two cases against Gogoi and three of his associates related to anti-CAA violence.

While in jail, he formed Raijor Dal, contested the 2021 Assembly polls as an Independent candidate from the Sibsagar seat and won, defeating BJP's Surabhi Rajkonwari by a decisive 11,875 votes.

Gogoi became the first Assamese to win an election while behind bars without any physical campaigning. He also became the first in Assam Assembly to take oath as an MLA, while still a prisoner.

Reminiscing his election victory, Gogoi said: "Actually, history was made by the people of Assam, basically people from the Sibsagar. The educated people, politically conscious people came out on the streets, went door-to-door and requested all voters to vote for me." Referring to the widespread anti-CAA protests, Gogoi explained that the state’s intellectuals, intelligentsia and some activists from other parts of India like Medha Patkar and Dr Sunilam came and “appealed to the people of Sibsagar to vote for me.”