Intensified Campaigning Ahead of Assam Assembly Elections
Political Parties Ramp Up Campaign Efforts
Union Minister Chouhan plucks tea leaves at a tea garden in Golaghat as NDA Bokakhat candidate Atul Bora looks on. (Photo:PTI)
Golaghat/Guwahati, Apr 5: With the Assam Assembly elections just three days away, political parties are ramping up their campaigning efforts throughout the state.
During a public rally in Golaghat on Sunday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented a range of welfare initiatives aimed at benefiting tea garden workers in Assam.
“Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for the people. For tea workers who own homes but require repairs, we will provide Rs 75,000. Additionally, scholarships for graduate students will rise from Rs 7,000 to Rs 12,000 per year. We are also committed to ensuring daily wages of Rs 500 for tea workers,” Chouhan stated.
He further mentioned that the government intends to implement a 3% reservation for tea garden and tribal communities in Grade I and II government positions.
Chouhan criticized the Congress party, suggesting that internal conflicts have emerged following Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's visit to Assam.
“A fractured Congress cannot foster development in the state. Only the NDA alliance can guarantee progress. Based on the feedback we are receiving, Congress is unlikely to endure,” he remarked while campaigning for NDA candidate Atul Bora in the Bokakhat constituency.
The Union Minister was accompanied by BJP state president Dilip Saikia, MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, former MLA Ponakan Baruah, and other leaders from BJP and AGP.
Chouhan emphasized the NDA government's achievements, noting that tea garden workers have been granted land pattas, allowing them to become landowners.
“Those who have received land pattas will also qualify for housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,” he added.
He launched a strong critique of the Congress, accusing it of historical failures in Assam, including issues stemming from Partition, security concerns, illegal immigration, unemployment, and dynastic politics.
“I express my gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Approximately 1.26 lakh acres of land have been reclaimed from illegal encroachment, including regions within Kaziranga National Park. The NDA government is dedicated to recovering all encroached land,” he concluded.
Before addressing the rally, Chouhan arrived by helicopter and engaged with tea garden workers at Bihora Tea Estate, where he was seen plucking tea leaves and participating in the traditional Jhumur dance with local artists.