Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday promised a massive eviction drive across the state if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) returns to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Addressing supporters during the second day of the Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Jagiroad, Sarma said his government would clear five lakh bighas of encroached land in the next term. The proposed eviction covers more than 1.65 lakh acres.
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‘Bulldozer Salute’ Marks Rally
The Chief Minister received a dramatic welcome from party workers, who stood atop 10 bulldozers and showered flower petals on his convoy. The rally, which began in Jagiroad, passed through Morigaon, Raha, and Nagaon before concluding at Barhampur.
Sarma addressed the gathering from his open SUV while bulldozers flanked his vehicle. He declared that the BJP had already freed 1.5 lakh bighas of encroached land in the past five years. He had informed the Assembly about this achievement on February 19.
“Next time, we will clear five lakh bighas of land. This is the message we have given to the people,” Sarma said. He also reiterated his government’s tough stance against alleged illegal infiltrators. “No Bangladeshi infiltrator will live in peace in Assam,” he added.
Focus on Forests and Tribal Belts
Sarma specifically targeted alleged encroachments in forests, tribal belts, and blocks. He asserted that his government would intensify eviction drives in these areas if voters grant the BJP a third consecutive term.
Over the past few years, the state government has carried out several eviction operations, particularly in forest and government lands. The Chief Minister claimed that these actions have restored thousands of acres to the state.
Confident of Strong Mandate
Highlighting public response during the yatra, Sarma said large crowds turned out to greet the BJP convoy. He noted that many people thanked the government for job creation, land recovery, and action against illegal encroachment.
“I hadn’t thought that people would come out in such large numbers. This time, it is completely different,” he said, expressing confidence that the BJP would secure a strong mandate.
Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia accompanied Sarma during the rally.
Political Context Ahead of Polls
The upcoming Assam Assembly elections will be the first since the 2023 delimitation exercise. The polls are expected in March–April.
Currently, the BJP holds 64 seats in the 126-member Assembly. Its allies include the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) with nine seats, the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) with seven seats, and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) with three seats.
On the opposition side, the Indian National Congress holds 26 seats, while the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has 15. The CPI(M) has one seat, along with one Independent MLA.
As campaigning gathers pace, eviction and land protection have emerged as central themes in the BJP’s election strategy. With strong messaging during the Jan Ashirwad Yatra, the party aims to consolidate its voter base ahead of the high-stakes Assembly polls.
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