Nitin Gadkari Campaigns in Palasbari, Promises US-Standard Highways for Assam

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari addressed a large public meeting at Rani under the 29 No. Palasbari Legislative Assembly Constituency on Thursday, campaigning for BJP-NDA candidate Himangshu Shekhar Baishya ahead of the April 9 Assam Assembly elections.

Gadkari used the platform to highlight the Central Government's infrastructure record and to make a bold promise for the road ahead — literally.

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The headline commitment from Gadkari's address was a striking one — that within three years, Assam will have national highways comparable to those in the United States.

Framing Assam's development as central to the nation's progress, he said, "If Assam is saved, the country will be saved," adding that India's advancement depends directly on how well its northeastern states grow.

He asserted that the BJP-led government has already delivered significant improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth in Assam over the past decade, and promised further acceleration if the party returns to power.

Gadkari also addressed two politically sensitive issues — citizenship and voting rights — in a single argument.

He defended the extension of citizenship to persecuted minorities such as Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains from neighbouring countries, saying it was in line with the "margdarshan" — or guidance — of the Constitution, in an apparent reference to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

At the same time, he drew a firm line on voting rights, questioning the implications of extending them to foreign nationals and making clear that the BJP does not support such a move.

Gadkari also sought to project the BJP as a party above divisions of caste, religion, region, or language, saying unity in diversity is the country's defining strength — and one the BJP stands firmly behind.

He urged voters to support Himangshu Shekhar Baishya as the candidate best placed to continue Palasbari's development trajectory.

Six candidates are contesting the Palasbari LAC this election, but the main battle is expected to be a direct one between BJP-NDA's Himangshu Shekhar Baishya and AJP candidate Pankaj Lochan Goswami.

Assam votes on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.