BJP Unveils Development-Focused Manifesto for Assam Assembly Elections
BJP's Vision for Assam
Guwahati, March 31: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially launched its Sankalp Patra for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. This manifesto emphasizes a comprehensive development strategy focused on economic advancement, welfare initiatives, and governance improvements.
The unveiling took place at Vajpayee Bhawan, attended by prominent figures including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and state BJP president Dilip Saikia, along with other senior party leaders.
Sitharaman highlighted that the manifesto outlines 31 significant commitments aimed at fostering a 'secure, developed, and self-reliant Assam,' reflecting the party's governance achievements over the last decade.
She stated, 'The Sankalp Patra is not just a collection of promises; it serves as a strategic plan supported by ten years of accountability and tangible progress.'
Emphasizing economic growth, Sitharaman pointed out that Assam's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has surged from Rs 2.24 lakh crore in 2015-16 to Rs 7.41 lakh crore by 2025-26, indicating a more than threefold increase.
Additionally, she noted a significant rise in per capita income and an increase in the state's share of central taxes from approximately Rs 10,000 crore annually during the Congress era to nearly Rs 50,000 crore currently.
Since 2014, total central transfers to Assam have reached Rs 5.61 lakh crore, which includes Rs 3.12 lakh crore in tax devolution and Rs 2.49 lakh crore in grants, according to the Finance Minister.
She also mentioned advancements in infrastructure and public service delivery, highlighting that rural tap water coverage has jumped from 1.76% in 2019 to over 81% under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
'Such extensive development is achievable only in an environment of peace and stability. Assam today exemplifies both,' she remarked.
In a political critique, Sitharaman accused the Congress of neglecting the Northeast, asserting that the current growth trajectory is a result of a robust partnership between the Centre and the state under a 'double-engine' government.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the manifesto builds upon the government's past successes and presents a forward-thinking vision.
'This Sankalp Patra serves as a vision document for Assam's future, balancing development, welfare, and effective governance while protecting the identity and rights of our citizens,' he explained.
Key Highlights of BJP’s Sankalp Patra
• Rs 5 lakh crore investment for infrastructure and connectivity
• Rs 18,000 crore allocated for flood control initiatives
• Commitment to create 2 lakh government jobs and support 10 lakh entrepreneurs
• Assurance to safeguard indigenous land, culture, and heritage
• Plans to identify and deport illegal immigrants and reclaim encroached land
• Proposal for a Uniform Civil Code and stricter anti-infiltration regulations
• Provision of free essential goods for economically disadvantaged families
• Expansion of the Orunodoi scheme with assistance up to Rs 3,000 per month
• One-time financial aid of Rs 25,000 for 40 lakh women
• Free education from pre-primary to university level
• Establishment of medical and engineering colleges, along with a university in every district