Nagaon (Assam), 02 April (HS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has never been against the indigenous Muslims of Assam, while addressing a ‘Vijay Sankalp Samaroha’ held at Misa High School playground in Koliabor under Nagaon district.

Campaigning for BJP alliance candidate Keshab Mahanta, Shah urged party workers to ensure his victory, stating that Mahanta is the sole candidate of the BJP-led alliance in Koliabor. He also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the party failed to contribute to Assam’s development despite being in power for years.

Highlighting achievements, Shah said the BJP-AGP government has freed areas near Kaziranga National Park from illegal encroachment and has effectively stopped the killing of one-horned rhinoceroses in the park. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for the state’s rapid development.

Criticising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah questioned the party’s contributions during its 15-year rule in Assam and accused it of encouraging illegal immigration. He reiterated that the BJP has always respected Assam’s indigenous communities, including local Muslims and has worked to honour regional icons such as Lachit Borphukan, Gopinath Bordoloi and Bhupen Hazarika.

Shah further expressed confidence that the BJP and its ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) will remain in power in Assam for the next 15 years. He added that the upcoming Bihu festival would be celebrated with the victory of the alliance.

It may be noted that Amit Shah arrived in Assam on a two-day visit on Thursday and addressed his first election rally in Koliabor. He is scheduled to address three more rallies in lower Assam on Friday.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash