Guwahati, 24 March (HS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam on Tuesday asserted that it is entering the 2026 Assembly election with a focused agenda built on development and the protection of indigenous rights, while accusing the Congress-led opposition alliance of lacking vision and credibility.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s state headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita said the opposition, led by Gaurav Gogoi in alliance with Lurinjyoti Gogoi, has entered the electoral fray without substantive issues and is relying on criticism rather than constructive policies.
Kalita alleged that the Congress-led alliance is attempting to forge opportunistic partnerships, including with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, which he described as disconnected from Assam’s socio-cultural landscape. He further claimed that such moves reflect political desperation and a lack of grassroots engagement.
The BJP leader said the Tea Tribe and Adivasi communities, which form a significant part of Assam’s social fabric, have rejected the opposition due to its alleged failure to address their long-standing demands, including land rights and recognition. Highlighting the BJP government’s initiatives, he pointed to improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure and employment opportunities, including a 3% reservation in government jobs and welfare schemes such as “Eti Koli Duti Paat.”
He also underlined the distribution of land pattas to tea garden workers as a landmark step, stating that these measures have strengthened the community’s trust in the BJP and contributed to its growing support base.
Criticizing the Congress’s historical role, Kalita alleged that past policies, including the enactment of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, had contributed to demographic challenges in Assam. In contrast, he said the current government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken decisive steps to address illegal infiltration and safeguard indigenous identity, including eviction drives that have received support from several organizations.
The BJP also accused the Congress of sidelining local leadership in the past and cited examples of leaders from outside the state being nominated to represent Assam in Parliament. According to Kalita, such decisions have weakened the party’s base and contributed to its electoral setbacks in recent years.
The press conference was also attended by party media panelist Amal Narayan Patowary.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
