Guwahati, 17 June (HS): The Assam BJP on Wednesday dismissed comments made by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi regarding the absence of representatives from Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao in the state Cabinet, asserting that the two hill districts have witnessed significant development under the leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In a press statement issued from the party’s state headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, BJP spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi said the government has undertaken several initiatives to address long-pending issues and accelerate all-round development in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao. He stated that the government has focused on improving the quality of life of people in the two districts through infrastructure and welfare projects.

Highlighting key achievements, the BJP leader said compensation has been provided to 884 families affected by land acquisition for the construction of a four-lane national highway in Dima Hasao. He also noted that construction of Assam’s second Sainik School has begun at Longvoku in Karbi Anglong. The project, estimated at ₹335 crore, will be funded jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Assam Government.

The spokesperson further said a cricket stadium developed by the Assam Cricket Association at Umrangso has been completed. He added that the state government has allocated ₹500 crore under a special development package of the Central Government for rehabilitation of former members of the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) and for infrastructure development in Dima Hasao following the peace accord.

He also pointed to ongoing projects in Diphu, including an engineering college, a medical college, a polytechnic institute and a stadium, as evidence of the government’s commitment to the region’s progress.

Referring to Gogoi’s criticism, Kalyan Gogoi said it is not feasible to accommodate representatives of every community in Assam’s Cabinet and alleged that the Congress leader raised the issue with political motives ahead of the forthcoming Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council elections.

The BJP spokesperson maintained that people across Assam, including those in the two hill districts, are witnessing development under the present government and remain focused on issues such as peace, employment generation and overall progress.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash