Akhil Gogoi wheels handcart into Assembly, alleges 'syndicate tax' behind price rise

GUWAHATI, July 9, 2026 — Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Wednesday staged a symbolic protest outside the Assam Legislative Assembly, accusing the Assam government of allowing an alleged "syndicate tax" that has driven up the prices of essential commodities.

Gogoi arrived at the Assembly premises pushing a handcart loaded with eggs, broiler chicken, fish and other daily essentials. The protest came a day after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah reportedly challenged the opposition's allegation that syndicates were operating in the state.

Displaying a price list of the commodities, Gogoi alleged that illegal collections under government patronage had sharply increased market prices, placing an additional burden on ordinary consumers. He claimed that "gunda tax" collected through alleged syndicate networks was responsible for the soaring cost of essential items.

Questioning the government's stand, the Raijor Dal leader said the symbolic protest was intended to demonstrate the gap between the government's claims and the realities faced by consumers in the marketplace.

The protest drew attention from legislators and onlookers outside the Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session.

The Assam government has repeatedly denied allegations of the existence of syndicates in the state.