Amit Shah Unveils Redeveloped Batadrava Than in Assam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the redeveloped Batadrava Than in Assam, emphasizing the site's cultural significance and the BJP's commitment to addressing illegal immigration. He highlighted the importance of Srimanta Sankardev's legacy and the government's efforts to reclaim encroached lands. Shah's remarks included a critique of the Congress party's past actions and a pledge to further develop Assam's cultural identity. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also spoke on the importance of community identity and the ongoing eviction drives to protect indigenous lands. This event marks a significant step in reconnecting the people of Assam with their rich heritage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 16:02 IST

Inauguration of Batadrava Than

Nagaon, Dec 29: On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the newly redeveloped Batadrava Than, a significant site in Assam's Nagaon district, with an investment of Rs 227 crore. This location is recognized as the birthplace of the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev.

During his address, Shah emphasized the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) dedication to eradicating illegal immigration in Assam.

He stated, “The initiative to liberate the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev from encroachers has now been accomplished,” which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Shah remarked that the Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev Abhirbhav Kshetra would become a pivotal hub for bhakti, public worship, and spiritual enlightenment, helping to reconnect the community with Sankardeva’s rich 500-year legacy.

He noted that the sounds of naam in prayer halls transport devotees back to Sankardeva's era, reinforcing Assam's cultural continuity.

Reflecting on his previous visit, Shah recalled performing the bhumi pujan for this project on December 26, 2020, and expressed his pleasure at inaugurating the completed site.

Shah highlighted Sankardeva's influence on Assam's cultural identity, stating that the saint spread his ideals throughout the Northeast and advocated for a unified India.

“Sankardev promoted the concept of one India even to those who sought to divide the nation. This vision continues today under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he added.

Shah questioned the justification of encroachment by illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for spearheading eviction efforts across the state, including in Kaziranga National Park.

In a pointed critique of the Congress party, Shah accused them of enabling illegal settlements in Assam, claiming they even provided legal aid to immigrants to facilitate their settlement.

He presented statistics indicating that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) had allocated Rs 1.28 lakh crore to Assam over a decade, while the current Modi administration has invested approximately Rs 15 lakh crore in the state.

Shah also discussed peace initiatives, noting that Assam has transitioned away from years of violence and insurgency.

“There was a time when Assam was marked by bomb blasts and youth wielding AK-47s. Under Prime Minister Modi, peace accords with Bodo and Karbi groups, as well as agreements with Adivasi factions and ULFA, have been established. Today, Assam resonates with naam and devotional songs,” he stated.

Shah pointed out that Prime Minister Modi has visited the Northeast nearly 80 times in 11 years, including 36 trips to Assam, in stark contrast to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's seven visits during his 12-year term.

“If the people of Assam grant the BJP another five years, we will eradicate illegal immigration from the entire state. This is our commitment,” Shah declared.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commenced his speech with a recitation from the Naam Ghosa, deeming the day sacred for Assam.

“The citizens of Assam have entrusted the BJP government with the task of removing encroachers from Borduwa Than and developing the Abhirbhav Kshetra. Entry to the Than will be free for all. We believe that decisions to safeguard our community should originate from Borduwa Than,” Sarma stated.

The Chief Minister cautioned that Assamese society is under threat from certain “unknown individuals” who, he claimed, do not comprehend or respect the teachings of Sankardev and Madhavdev.

“Our spiritual leaders are Sankar and Madhabdev, not Sankar and Ajan Fakir. Some secularists attempt to equate them, but our true gurus are Sankar and Madhabdev,” Sarma asserted.

He emphasized that development devoid of community identity holds no significance and mentioned that eviction drives have already reclaimed satra land, VGR, PGR, and approximately 1.45 lakh bighas of land for indigenous communities, although “much work remains to be done.”

“From Batadrava Than, I pledge that we will not permit such individuals to reside peacefully in the state,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Earlier that day, Shah arrived in Borduwa via a Border Security Force (BSF) helicopter after landing in Guwahati at 11 am.

Upon his arrival, he received a traditional welcome from gayan-bayan (singers and drummers) and visited the main central building that houses the Guru Asana, the seat of the esteemed saint.