Congress MP Slams Government Over Assam Flood Neglect

Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi criticized the central government for its lack of seriousness in addressing Assam's recurring floods and erosion problems. He condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on the 'flood-like situation,' arguing it underplays the state's crisis. Bordoloi plans to raise demands in the next Parliament session.

Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Saturday criticized the central government, alleging it was ''not serious'' about addressing the persistent flood and erosion issues plaguing Assam.

Describing the situation as ''insensitive,'' the two-term Lok Sabha MP also slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement referring to a ''flood-like situation'' in Assam.

''Flooding occurs in Assam annually, affecting nearly 40 percent of the total land area. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never visited Assam during floods, demonstrating a lack of genuine concern. They only visit during elections to make grand promises,'' Bordoloi alleged.

Erosion presents an even graver challenge for Assam, claiming almost 8,000 hectares of land yearly, yet the central government refuses to acknowledge it as a natural disaster, he added.

''The central government is simply not serious about addressing our twin crises of flood and erosion. If they were, Amit Shah would not have made such an insensitive remark.

''This year, Assam is experiencing one of the worst floods in decades. However, Shah described it as merely a 'flood-like situation.' I strongly condemn this statement,'' said Bordoloi.

On July 6, Shah stated in a post on X that he had contacted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss the current situation.

''Due to heavy rain, Assam is facing a flood-like situation,'' he added.

Bordoloi announced that in the upcoming Parliament session, he will advocate for the Centre to include flood and erosion in the Concurrent List of the Constitution.

''My second demand will be the establishment of the Brahmaputra River Valley Authority comprising all stakeholders and states affected by this mighty river. The final demand will be to create a Riverine Erosion and Embankment Management Authority to scientifically manage the embankments,'' he stated.

Over 8.4 lakh people continue to suffer from floods in 20 districts of Assam, while one additional death has raised this year's toll from flood-related incidents, landslides, storms, and lightning strikes to 107.