Amit Shah's Third Pre-Election Assam Visit Scheduled for February
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to embark on a significant two-day tour of Assam from February 20, marking his third visit to the state ahead of the anticipated assembly elections scheduled for March-April. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the itinerary on Sunday, highlighting the dual focus of the visit on development initiatives and security forces engagement.
Silchar Launch of Vibrant Villages Programme
The home minister's tour will commence in Silchar, located in the Cachar district of Assam's Barak Valley region. Here, Shah will officially launch a crucial scheme under the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), a central government initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in border villages. This program represents a strategic push to bolster development in remote areas, particularly significant in the context of Assam's geographical diversity.
CRPF Annual Parade in Guwahati
On the following day, Shah will proceed to Guwahati to participate in the annual day parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The event is expected to feature an extensive arms display and detailed presentations showcasing the CRPF's operational achievements in challenging regions such as Chhattisgarh and Kashmir. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that these demonstrations are designed to highlight the force's capabilities and valor.
Boosting CRPF Recruitment in Assam
In a move to strengthen local recruitment, Sarma announced plans to encourage NCC cadets to witness the CRPF parade, aiming to inspire them to consider careers in the paramilitary force. He noted that while Assamese youth actively pursue positions in the Assam Police, they often overlook opportunities with the CRPF. To address this gap, the state government has acquired land in Dhemaji district to establish a dedicated CRPF recruitment centre, signaling a proactive approach to enhance employment avenues and national security participation.
Context of Previous Visits
This upcoming visit follows two earlier trips by Shah to Assam in recent months. On December 29 last year, he inaugurated several key projects, including the revered Batadrava Than redevelopment project at the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev in Nagaon, along with the Swahid Smarak Kshetra and Jyoti Bishnu Cultural Complex in Guwahati. Subsequently, on January 29-30, Shah conducted another two-day tour starting in Dibrugarh, where he unveiled projects such as the Assam Assembly complex, participated in the Mising festival in Dhemaji, and attended a BJP meeting in Guwahati.
These repeated engagements underscore the political significance of Assam in the lead-up to the assembly elections, with Shah's visits focusing on a blend of cultural, developmental, and security-related activities to connect with various segments of the electorate.
