Guwahati, 03 November (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said elections to various municipal boards and civic bodies across the state would be held in March 2027, while elections to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) would take place in April 2027.

Speaking to reporters after the BJP core committee meeting, Sarma said discussions primarily focused on preparations for the upcoming elections to autonomous councils, municipal boards and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation.

The Chief Minister also said that the recently announced increase in electricity tariffs by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), effective from this month, would be temporary and would not continue for a prolonged period.

He further announced that a special training programme would be organised in December for newly elected BJP MLAs. The programme would be held in the presence of BJP national president Nitin Nabin.

Taking a dig at the Congress's mock Parliament initiative, Sarma said Rahul Gandhi could become Prime Minister only in the courtyard of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, asserting that Narendra Modi would continue as Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha.

On the BJP's proposed public demonstrations, the Chief Minister said there was no restriction on a ruling party taking to the streets to stage protests. He described the proposed demonstrations as positive movements in support of education and development.

Commenting on the party's growing support in minority-dominated areas, Sarma said the BJP would not compromise on its ideology for electoral gains. He asserted that issues such as child marriage and polygamy must be brought to an end.

He said the party would continue to expand its organisational base while remaining committed to its ideological principles.

Referring to the proposed bullet train connectivity to Guwahati, the Chief Minister welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision, saying Assam was now dreaming of reaching new heights and was preparing to take flight.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash