Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday launched the BJP’s ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ from Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district, as the party gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections aiming for a third consecutive term in power.
Seeking public support, Sarma urged voters to ensure that the BJP retains power so that the “journey of a developed and secure Assam” continues uninterrupted.
Accompanied by state BJP president Dilip Saikia, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita and other senior leaders, the Chief Minister stood atop an open vehicle leading the procession. Large crowds gathered along both sides of the roads, welcoming the leaders with traditional Assamese gamusas and flowers as they waved to cheering supporters.
Before commencing the Yatra, Sarma offered prayers at the Gupteswari Temple in Dhekiajuli.
Addressing the gathering, Sarma recalled the BJP’s political journey in Assam. “It was in 2014 that you placed your faith in Narendra Modi ji and elected him as Prime Minister. In 2016, you installed the first BJP government in Assam under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal. Again in 2021, you voted for the BJP,” he said.
He stated that over the years, the government had worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people and that the visible development across the state reflects those efforts. While acknowledging that certain shortcomings or unmet expectations may have arisen, Sarma maintained that there was no lack of effort on the government’s part.
“That is why we have a developed and secure Assam today. I appeal to all of you to help the BJP retain power so that we can continue moving the state forward,” he added.
On its first day, the Yatra is scheduled to cover the Assembly constituencies of Borsola, Tezpur, Naduar and Rongapara. State BJP president Saikia earlier stated that the campaign will travel approximately 70 to 80 kilometres daily, with an outreach target of nearly one lakh people per day.
The first phase of the Yatra, set to conclude on March 9, will cover 34 Assembly constituencies across Assam.
State Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal has been appointed as the chief convenor of the programme, while Union Minister Margherita and other senior leaders will serve as co-convenors. Additionally, ‘Jan Ashirwad Sabhas’ will be organised in constituencies not directly covered by the Yatra route.