Sarbanda Sonowal Launches Political Campaign in Barak Valley Ahead of Assam Elections 2026

Political Campaign Kickoff in Barak Valley

Sarbanda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has initiated his political campaign for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections in the Barak Valley. He emphasized the transformation of this previously neglected region into a gateway to Southeast Asia under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Addressing large crowds at the Dolu Tea Estate and in Silchar, Sonowal outlined the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) vision, which aims to integrate Barak, Brahmaputra, hills, and plains as a foundation for Assam's comprehensive development.

BJP's Commitment to National Unity

In a conversation with a media outlet, Sonowal stated that the BJP has a clear policy regarding national unity. He asserted that all genuine Indian citizens, regardless of their religion—be it Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, or Sikh—are guaranteed safety. However, he pointed out that illegal Bangladeshi Muslims residing in Assam are disrupting the demographic balance, causing native residents to feel marginalized and nearly non-existent as a minority. The BJP, according to Sonowal, has introduced a robust agenda to protect the rights of Assam's indigenous people and true Indian citizens, ensuring that everyone who has lived in Assam for centuries is provided with security without discrimination.

Recognition for Barak Valley

While paying tribute to BJP veteran Kabindra Purkayastha, Sonowal emphasized that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government has granted the Barak Valley the recognition it was deprived of during decades of Congress rule. He noted that prior to 2016, connectivity issues had isolated the region, making travel to Guwahati challenging. Today, with significant investments in roads, railways, waterways, and air connectivity, Barak Valley is emerging as a vital economic and strategic hub.

Infrastructure Developments Highlighted

Sonowal highlighted major infrastructure achievements, including the near-completion of the East-West Corridor envisioned by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the recent foundation stone laying for the ₹23,000 crore Shillong-Silchar high-speed corridor by Prime Minister Modi. He also mentioned the expansion of railway services, including over 20 regular trains such as Vistadome and Capital.