Smriti Irani Launches BJP Campaign in Assam, Calls for Historic Third Term
Former Union minister and senior BJP leader Smriti Irani hit the campaign trail in Assam's Dhemaji district on Tuesday, addressing a spirited poll rally at the Sarvodaya High School playground in Jonai. The event was held in support of BJP candidate and three-time MLA Bhubon Pegu, as Irani made a fervent appeal for voters to return the BJP to power for an unprecedented third consecutive term in the state.
Irani Champions Double-Engine Government Under CM Sarma
In her address, Irani passionately advocated for the continuation of the double-engine government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "The people of Jonai and Assam have witnessed firsthand what a government with vision, commitment, and honest leadership can achieve," she declared. "Pegu has served you faithfully for years, and the BJP government has consistently supported your needs. I urge every voter in this constituency to press the lotus button and ensure that the double-engine government persists in its beneficial work for Assam's future."
On the prospect of a third consecutive BJP government in Assam, Irani expressed unwavering confidence. "Let me state with absolute certainty—the BJP will form the government in Assam for the third consecutive time under the dynamic leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma," she announced, met with thunderous applause from the crowd. "The people of Assam are casting their votes for stability, development, and a government that fulfills its promises."
Sharp Contrast Drawn with Opposition Failures
Irani drew a stark comparison between the BJP's governance achievements and what she described as the shortcomings of the opposition. "During Congress rule in this state, what did the people of Assam receive? They faced floods of corruption, rivers of unfulfilled promises, and decades of neglect," she asserted. "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has undergone a transformation unimaginable just a decade ago. This distinction highlights the difference between a party that merely talks and one that delivers tangible results."
Appeal to Jonai Voters Based on Past Electoral Success
Directly addressing the voters of Jonai, Irani invoked the constituency's remarkable electoral verdict from 2021 as evidence of Pegu's popularity and credibility. Bhubon Pegu secured a record-shattering victory in that election, defeating Congress candidate Hema Hari Prasanna Pegu by a margin of 1,10,987 votes—one of the largest victory margins in Assam's recent electoral history. Prior to joining the BJP, Pegu had won from Jonai twice as an Independent candidate, in 2006 and 2016.
"Pegu's victory by over one lakh votes in 2021 was the people of Jonai speaking with a unified voice, demonstrating their trust in this man and this party," Irani emphasized. "I am confident that Jonai will express that same unwavering support once again."
With no other candidates having filed nominations, the contest in Jonai is poised to be a direct face-off between Pegu and Congress candidate Raj Kumar Medok.
Final Push for Campaign Efforts
Concluding her speech, Irani urged party workers and supporters to exert maximum effort in the final stages of campaigning. "Every booth, every vote, and every worker is crucial," she stressed. "Visit every household, engage with every voter, and remind them that their vote is a decisive choice for Assam's future. Ensure Pegu's return to the assembly and the BJP's return to power." Her words energized the gathering, setting a determined tone for the upcoming election.
