Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lashed out at the Congress over the alleged 'cash-for-job scam' in the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) exams of 2013 and 2014 under its rule and demanded a apology from the party. On February 17, the first day of the budget session, CM Sarma tabled the report of the Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma-led one-man inquiry commission on the alleged irregularities and malpractices in the 2013 and 2014 CCE exams of APSC.

"I want the Assam Congress to tender an apology before the youths of the state for the appointment of Rakesh Paul. They must render a public apology that it was a mistake during our (Congress) tenure, and if we come to power again, then we will not do it again," the CM said during the ongoing budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly on Monday. The house should collectively express its gratitude to Sarbananda Sonowal (former Assam Chief Minister), who initiated strict proceedings against APSC irregularities, he said.