Amit Shah Promises Tribal Protections Amid UCC Discussions in Assam
Amit Shah's Commitment to Tribal Interests
Amit Shah (Photo - @AmitShah / X)
Guwahati, April 3: During a recent rally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of safeguarding tribal interests, stating that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Assam would not affect Adivasi communities. He outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on development, welfare initiatives, and combating illegal immigration while addressing crowds at various election events across the state.
Shah reiterated the BJP's commitment to implementing the UCC, assuring that it would be done with caution. “We will introduce the Uniform Civil Code in Assam, but it will not apply to our Adivasi brothers and sisters. We understand where it should be enforced and where it should not. Our government honors tribal customs and will protect them,” he declared at a large gathering in Dudhnoi, Goalpara district.
At another rally in Palasbari, Shah expressed confidence that Assam would once again support the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
“Assam is prepared to vote for the Modi-led BJP to ensure ongoing peace and development,” he stated.
Highlighting the state's natural beauty, Shah remarked, “I traveled by road to Palasbari and witnessed the lush greenery; indeed, God has blessed Assam with rich natural resources.”
He also criticized the Congress party, accusing it of contributing to demographic issues.
“The Congress has surrendered Assam to infiltrators. The BJP is actively identifying and removing these infiltrators, and we will persist in this effort until the last one is addressed,” Shah asserted.
On the topic of development, Shah accused the Congress of hindering significant projects.
“We aimed to transform Palasbari into an educational hub, but the Congress opposed the IIM Palasbari bill,” he noted. He also took a jab at Rahul Gandhi, saying, “He questioned the allocation of land for a semiconductor project, yet it was Prime Minister Modi who brought a semiconductor plant to Assam to enhance technological advancement.”
Shah's earlier rally in Golakganj, Dhubri district, was canceled due to a helicopter malfunction, leading him to address the audience via phone.
“I apologize for my absence due to technical difficulties. After the BJP's victory, I will return to celebrate with you,” he said, encouraging voters to back BJP candidate Ashwini Ray Sarkar and strengthen the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Modi.
Shah commenced his campaign in Dudhnoi, referring to it as a “mini Assam” and a cultural melting pot.
He contrasted the BJP's achievements with those of the Congress, stating, “The Congress has never appointed an Adivasi woman as President. It was Prime Minister Modi who ensured Droupadi Murmu became the President of India.”
Shah also unveiled a range of welfare initiatives aimed at farmers and tribal families. “We will create dairy infrastructure in every district, ensuring that each tribal household has a cow and a buffalo. This is not merely a promise; we will deliver,” he asserted.
He elaborated on financial assistance, stating, “Farmers who previously received Rs 6,000 annually will now receive Rs 11,000.” He also pledged subsidies of up to Rs 3 lakh for tractors and Rs 50,000 for power tillers.
Shah mentioned plans to develop vegetable market chains, granting land ownership to local residents to enhance rural incomes.
“We will empower farmers by making them stakeholders in market infrastructure,” he emphasized.
Shah is currently on a two-day visit to Assam, actively campaigning in various constituencies ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for April 9.