Assam CM Gears Up for Assembly Polls Amid Political Fireworks

Assam's political climate heats up as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will finalize its candidates for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections between March 11 and 15. Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sarma assured a potential third phase of the Jan Ashirwad Yatra if election dates are deferred by the Election Commission.

Sarma didn't shy away from attacking the opposition, specifically Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Rakibul Hussain, accusing them of attempting to derail the BJP-led yatra. He emphasized the lack of Congress's presence in regions dominated by Hindu, tribal, and Assamese communities, asserting that the BJP stands to gain from Gogoi's and Hussain's continued affiliation with Congress.

The Chief Minister rebuffed allegations that the 'Orunodoi scheme', under which Rs 3600 crore will be distributed to 40 lakh women beneficiaries, is election-centric. Highlighting the scheme's restrictive targeting based on specific criteria, such as widowhood and disability, Sarma stressed its long-standing nature and disconnection from electoral agendas. He noted the substantial public support received during his tour of 32 assembly constituencies, underscoring the BJP's strengthened alliance with Asom Gana Parishad and potential inclusion of Bodoland People's Front ahead of the state elections.