Raijor Dal chief and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday called for a substantial increase in financial assistance for families affected by this year's floods in Assam, arguing that the relief announced by the state government falls far short of the losses suffered by thousands of households. Addressing reporters in Sivasagar, Gogoi said the scale of devastation demanded a far more comprehensive rehabilitation package. While welcoming the government's decision to enhance benefits under the Orunodoi scheme, he urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to extend the scheme to every woman from flood-affected families.

Highlighting the widespread impact of the floods, Gogoi displayed photographs of damaged houses and submerged villages, claiming that the disaster had severely affected not only economically weaker sections but also middle-class families. He said many households had suffered extensive losses to homes, agricultural land, livestock, and other sources of livelihood. According to him, the destruction warranted immediate intervention from both the state and Central governments to support relief, rehabilitation, and long-term reconstruction efforts.

The opposition leader appealed to Chief Minister Sarma to present evidence of the flood damage before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek a comprehensive financial package for Assam. He demanded a one-time compensation of Rs 10 lakh for every flood-affected family, stating that the existing assistance was inadequate considering the magnitude of the losses. Gogoi also claimed that nearly 40,000 families in the Sivasagar Assembly constituency alone had been affected and called for a special Central package of Rs 400 crore dedicated to relief and rebuilding in the constituency.

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Questioning the government's announcement of Rs 15,000 assistance for severely affected families, Gogoi argued that the amount could not compensate those who had lost homes, farmland, and other valuable assets. He also alleged that despite Chief Minister Sarma's recent visit to New Delhi and his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state had failed to secure any special financial package for Assam. Further, he claimed that the Chief Minister was unable to obtain an appointment with Prime Minister Modi, raising concerns over the state's efforts to secure greater Central assistance.

Describing the floods as one of the most severe natural disasters in Assam's recent history, Gogoi said the crisis had not received adequate national attention. He urged all Members of Parliament from the state to jointly press the Centre for immediate financial support and warned that he would intensify protests if adequate compensation was not provided. The Raijor Dal leader said he was prepared to lead demonstrations, including a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence, and maintained that the state government would be accountable if the proposed Rs 400 crore package for Sivasagar was not secured.

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