Guwahati : On her second visit to Assam within 39 days, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday mounted a sharp critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging misuse of women-centric welfare schemes to compel political participation during the ongoing election campaign.

Arriving at Mohanbari Airport in Dibrugarh, Vadra travelled to Nazira in Sivasagar district, where she campaigned in support of Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia. Addressing a public gathering, she claimed that women beneficiaries across the state are being pressured to attend rallies addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Alleging coercion, Vadra said women are being threatened with exclusion from welfare beneficiary lists if they fail to participate in political events. She questioned the ethical use of public welfare schemes, asserting that such programmes are funded by taxpayers and must remain free from political influence.

“Welfare schemes are meant for public benefit, not as instruments of pressure. Citizens have a right to access them without conditions,” she said, adding that women are being forced to choose between daily responsibilities, work in tea gardens, and attending political rallies.

Turning to economic concerns, Vadra highlighted the condition of tea garden workers, stating that wages have not improved significantly despite earlier promises. She noted that assurances of raising daily wages to Rs 300-350 remain largely unfulfilled, with workers reporting only marginal increases.

The Congress leader also raised the issue of pending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for several tribal and Adivasi communities, accusing the government of repeatedly making electoral promises without delivering substantive action. “The delay reflects a lack of intent despite years in power,” she said.

Vadra further alleged that fuel prices could rise after the conclusion of elections, suggesting that current pricing is being influenced by electoral considerations. She said the electorate seeks governance free from fear and uncertainty.

In a broader political attack, she criticised the “double-engine government” narrative often invoked by the BJP, alleging that it reflects policy alignment rather than autonomy. She also took a swipe at the Prime Minister, accusing him of compromising national interests in international relations.

Concluding her address, Vadra called on voters to work collectively towards a progressive and corruption-free Assam, invoking the vision of Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg for a better future for the next generation. The BJP has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.