The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam has positioned the redevelopment of the sacred Batadrava Than as a cornerstone of its commitment to preserving the state's cultural and territorial integrity. On Tuesday, the party stated that the project at the birthplace of the revered Vaishnavite saint and social reformer, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, embodies the government's dedication to protecting "jati, mati, bheti" (identity, land, and homeland).
Contrasting Legacies: BJP vs. Congress
Launching a sharp critique, the BJP accused the Congress party of prolonged neglect during its tenure. Party spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi alleged that under previous administrations, Assam's land was allowed to become "a grazing ground for Bangladeshi infiltrators." In stark contrast, he claimed the current BJP government has taken determined and honest steps to resolve long-standing issues.
Gogoi presented two key examples of this resolve: the ongoing drive to free satra (monastery) lands from illegal encroachers across the state, and the ambitious Batadrava Than redevelopment. "Freeing satra lands from illegal encroachers across Assam and constructing the Batadrava Than redevelopment project at a cost of Rs 222 crore at the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev stand as shining examples of this resolve," Gogoi told the media.
The Batadrava Than Redevelopment: A Cultural Beacon
Emphasizing the cultural significance, Gogoi stated that Srimanta Sankardev laid the foundation of the Assamese nation through his contributions. The Batadrava project, therefore, is seen as a reflection of his ideals. "The project stands as a living symbol of Assamese cultural heritage and self-respect," he affirmed.
The development has integrated 162 bighas of land adjoining the Than to create an 'Abirbhab Kshetra' (emergence area) after reclaiming it from encroachment. Gogoi expressed confidence that this initiative would "immensely benefit Assam in the days to come."
A Broader Canvas of Development in Assam
Beyond Batadrava, the spokesperson listed several other landmark achievements under the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, portraying a narrative of holistic progress. He highlighted:
- The successful organisation of Advantage Assam 2.0 to boost investment.
- The world's first bamboo-based bio ethanol project at Numaligarh.
- The Sati Radhika Peace Park under the Brahmaputra Riverfront project.
- The state-of-the-art Gateway of Guwahati ferry terminal at Panbazar.
- The fourth unit of the Namrup Fertiliser Plant, with a 12 lakh metric tonne capacity, backed by an investment of Rs. 10,000 crore.
- The globally acclaimed second terminal of the Gopinath Bordoloi Airport.
Gogoi also spotlighted the newly inaugurated Jyoti-Bishnu Auditorium, calling it the largest in eastern India. "Equipped with world-class modern facilities and a seating capacity of 5,000, it has elevated Assam’s cultural landscape to a new height," he said. The auditorium is named after cultural icons Jyoti Prasad Agarwala and Bishnu Prasad Rabha, immortalizing them for future generations.
The BJP's statements frame the Batadrava Than project not just as a religious or tourist site, but as a potent political symbol of its governance model for Assam—one it contrasts sharply with the record of its principal rival, the Congress.
