Guwahati, 28 March (HS): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Guwahati and participated in a series of political and public outreach programmes, including a plantation drive and an election rally in Assam.

Upon reaching the city, Chouhan took part in a plantation programme on the sacred land of Kamakhya Temple along with MP Bansuri Swaraj and BJP national spokesperson KK Sharma. Encouraging environmental awareness, he urged citizens to plant trees and contribute towards enriching the earth.

Later, the Union Minister addressed a public rally at Tarani in the Rangia Assembly constituency in support of BJP candidate Bhabesh Kalita. During his speech, he highlighted the transformation Assam has witnessed over the years, stating that the state has moved “beyond fear” with significant improvements in security and overall development.

Chouhan noted that during earlier parliamentary visits, several areas in Assam were inaccessible due to security concerns. He said the situation has changed considerably, reflecting a broader improvement in law and order. He also pointed to rapid infrastructure growth and enhanced connectivity across the state.

Emphasising economic progress, the Union Minister said Assam is emerging as a potential semiconductor hub, marking a shift towards technological advancement that was previously unimaginable. He described this as a new phase in the state’s growth trajectory.

Launching a political attack on the Indian National Congress, Chouhan alleged that past governance decisions had adversely impacted Assam. Referring to the period around Partition, he claimed there had been proposals to hand over Assam to Pakistan, which were resisted by the state’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi.

He also criticised former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, alleging that Assam’s concerns were not adequately addressed during that time. Additionally, Chouhan raised the issue of illegal infiltration, stating that it has contributed to insecurity and posed challenges to the state’s identity and social fabric.

Chouhan had arrived in Guwahati late on Friday night as part of his visit to campaign for the upcoming elections in the state.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash