Dibrugarh: Flood and erosion remain the top priorities for state cabinet minister and Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, who on Friday unveiled the BJP’s Sankalp Patra ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing reporters, Phukan said the party is committed to the overall development of Assam, with a special focus on tackling the long-standing flood and erosion crisis.
“We are fully committed to working for the all-round development of Assam. In our manifesto, we have placed special emphasis on resolving flood and erosion issues,” he said.
Highlighting the situation in his constituency, Phukan noted that Dibrugarh has been grappling with recurring floods and erosion for years. “Our government has accorded top priority to addressing this decades-old problem,” he added.
Outlining key promises, the minister said steps would be taken to establish a High Court bench in Dibrugarh, a long-pending demand of the people in upper Assam. “This will ensure that people no longer have to travel to Guwahati for legal proceedings and documentation,” he said.
He also announced plans to upgrade Dibrugarh Airport into an international airport as part of broader infrastructure development initiatives in the region.
Phukan’s political journey in Dibrugarh dates back to 2006, when he became the first BJP candidate to win the seat, defeating Congress MLA Kalyan Kumar Gogoi by a narrow margin of 175 votes. Since then, he has consolidated his position, turning the constituency into a BJP stronghold.
His victory margins have grown steadily over the years—from 19,609 votes in 2011 to a commanding 38,005-vote lead in 2021.
However, as he eyes a fifth consecutive term, challenges remain. Despite his popularity, residents continue to raise concerns over urban infrastructure, particularly chronic waterlogging and delays in completing the Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) Drain project.
Dibrugarh’s electoral history reflects shifting political loyalties. Since 1972, the Congress has won the seat six times, the BJP four times, and the Janata Party once.
The constituency is also closely linked to the legacy of Keshab Chandra Gogoi, father of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. A prominent Congress leader, he represented the seat multiple times and briefly served as Assam’s Chief Minister in 1982.