The BJP on Tuesday released its election manifesto — called the 'sankalpa patra' — for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly election, outlining a wide range of pledges covering economic development, indigenous rights, education, and immigration.
The manifesto was released at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, with Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing the gathering.
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Chief Minister Sarma laid out an ambitious economic vision for the next five years.
"We'll make Assam one of the best and strongest states in the country in the coming five years," he said. "Our aim is to convert Assam into a contributory state for the development of the country, not a dependent one."
The BJP has promised Rs 7 lakh crore in capital expenditure across four key sectors over five years. The party also pledged to provide government jobs to two lakh youths and extend financial assistance to ten lakh youths to make them self-reliant.
On flood control, Sarma said the government would spend Rs 18,000 crore over the next two years to provide lasting relief to flood-affected communities across the state.
Illegal immigration featured prominently in the manifesto, with the BJP promising to implement the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 on a daily basis to speed up detection and deportation of undocumented migrants.
"We'll free every inch of land from illegal infiltrators," Sarma said.
The party also announced plans to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule and tribal areas. The manifesto further proposes new laws to address what the BJP described as "love jihad" and "land jihad."
On education, the BJP promised free schooling from KG to post-graduation for students from economically weaker sections. The party also plans to set up a world-class 'Education City' developed in partnership with Indian and foreign universities.
For tea garden workers, the BJP said it is considering raising the daily wage to Rs 500 over the next five years — a significant increase from current levels.
The popular Orunodoi welfare scheme, which currently provides Rs 1,250 per month to beneficiaries, is also set to be increased to Rs 3,000 per month if the party is voted back to power.
Sarma also took a swipe at the Congress party over its promise to deliver justice in the Zubeen Garg case within 100 days of coming to power.
"The Congress is out to do politics with Zubeen Garg. Its promise to give justice to Zubeen Garg within 100 days is an unpardonable crime. Only the court can give justice, not the government," he said, adding that a fast-track court has already begun day-to-day hearings in the case.
The Chief Minister also called on Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi to publicly declare his assets in Pakistan and the United Kingdom, claiming his election affidavit was silent on such holdings. "He must clarify his financial position to the public," Sarma said.