Assam's Anti-Encroachment Drive, Opposition Boycotts NITI Aayog Meet: Ministers React

Assam's Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika reported significant progress in evicting illegal forest inhabitants. Union ministers criticized the opposition for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, accusing them of prioritizing personal grudges over public interest and cooperative federalism.

Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika announced on Thursday that the state government is actively evicting individuals illegally residing in forest areas. Hazarika noted that to date, the evicted land area is comparable to the size of Chandigarh. He emphasized the commitment to freeing Assam from such encroachment.

Addressing the opposition parties' boycott of the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, Hazarika condemned their lack of positive contributions over the past decade. Union Minister Piyush Goyal echoed this sentiment, attributing the boycott to personal animosity towards Modi.

Goyal criticized the opposition, accusing them of disregarding their people's needs due to personal vendettas. Highlighting previous boycotts from eight states, Goyal claimed the INDI Alliance parties are undermining democracy. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav also condemned the boycott, stressing that NITI Aayog promotes cooperative federalism and public interest, which the opposition is sidelining.

(With inputs from agencies.)