Guwahati: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled the Bharatiya Janata Party’s manifesto for the Assam Assembly elections, outlining a range of promises including protection of indigenous land rights, preservation of cultural heritage, and an infrastructure investment plan of Rs 5 lakh crore.
The party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ lists 31 commitments, with a focus on reclaiming encroached land, implementing a Uniform Civil Code, and expanding employment opportunities for the youth, alongside continued development of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman said the manifesto builds on what she described as “a decade of transformation” under BJP rule, contrasting it with the Congress’s record. She alleged that the Congress lacked a long-term development vision for the Northeast.
Highlighting the BJP government’s achievements, she said the state has witnessed significant development and increasing opportunities, prompting many Assamese professionals to return from abroad. She also credited the party with restoring peace and stability, which she said were essential for sustained growth.
Referring to the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Sitharaman said Assam had remained under AFSPA for over three decades during earlier regimes, adding that the BJP government had facilitated its withdrawal from large parts of the region.
The event was attended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, State BJP president Dilip Saikia, party national vice president Baijayant Panda, along with State Cabinet Ministers and other senior leaders.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly is scheduled for April 9, with counting of votes set for May 4.