Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a significant political declaration on Friday, confirming that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will lead the Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming Assam assembly elections. Speaking at a rally in Dibrugarh's Khanikar playground, Shah delivered a stern warning that every illegal immigrant in the state would be identified and deported when his party secures a third consecutive term in office.
Strong Stance Against Illegal Immigration
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the second assembly complex in Dibrugarh, Shah launched a blistering attack on the Congress party, accusing it of "weaponising illegal migration" for political gains. He asserted that Congress, driven by vote-bank politics and ambitions to regain power in Assam, actively encouraged illegal immigration and used it as a strategic weapon.
Making an unequivocal pledge to the assembled crowd, Shah declared, "Today, from the second capital of Assam, I promise that if BJP comes to office for the third time under Sarma's leadership, every illegal immigrant will be singled out and thrown out." This statement sets the tone for what is expected to become a central campaign theme in the forthcoming elections.
Crediting State Government's Actions
The Union Home Minister credited the Assam government with taking decisive steps against encroachment, highlighting that approximately 1.26 lakh hectares of land occupied by illegal immigrants have been successfully cleared. He praised Chief Minister Sarma for implementing strong measures against illegal immigrants who had altered Assam's demographic composition over time.
Shah provided specific examples of encroachment issues, noting that illegal settlers had not even spared the birthplace of 15th-16th century Assamese saint-scholar Srimanta Sankardeva. He further mentioned that encroachers had entered the forests of Kaziranga National Park and resorted to killing rhinoceroses, emphasizing the environmental and cultural damage caused by illegal immigration.
New Assembly Complex and Economic Development
The second assembly complex inaugurated by Shah represents a Rs 284 crore project scheduled for completion within 30 months. This development fulfills Chief Minister Sarma's 2025 declaration to elevate Dibrugarh's status as an important administrative center in Assam.
Shah also highlighted positive economic developments for the state, mentioning the recent trade deal with the European Union that will allow Assam tea to reach 27 European countries at zero tariffs. This agreement opens a new chapter for the state's most famous export commodity and promises significant economic benefits for Assam's tea industry.
Cultural Criticism of Opposition
The Union Home Minister took the opportunity to criticize Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his refusal to wear a traditional 'gamosa' presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a Republic Day event. Shah argued that this move amounted to disrespecting North-East India's rich cultural heritage and demonstrated a lack of appreciation for regional traditions.
Throughout his address, Shah emphasized that only the Bharatiya Janata Party possesses the political will and administrative capability to effectively address the complex issue of illegal immigration in Assam. He stressed that the rights and resources of Assam's indigenous poor population are being compromised by illegal settlers, making decisive action an urgent necessity for the state's future stability and prosperity.
