Guwahati, 05 April (HS): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday addressed massive public rallies in support of NDA-BJP candidates in Assam’s Bokakhat and Naduar assembly constituencies. He campaigned for AGP leader Atul Bora in Bokakhat and BJP candidate Padma Hazarika in Naduar.

Praising the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chouhan said Assam’s people are simple, patriotic and honest, adding that the state’s tea enjoys global recognition.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, the Union Minister alleged that the party committed “five grave sins” against Assam. He claimed that Congress supported the idea of including Assam in Pakistan during Partition, abandoned the state during the 1962 war, encouraged illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, failed to provide employment to youth and promoted dynastic politics.

Targeting the INDIA bloc, Chouhan said Congress is weakened by internal conflicts. He also took a dig at Priyanka Gandhi, claiming that her visit to Assam triggered an exodus of party leaders. He asserted that CM Sarma’s popularity has become a major concern for the Congress.

Chouhan promised that the NDA government would provide two lakh government jobs in the next five years and create new self-employment opportunities. He also said that “land jihad” and “love jihad” would not be allowed in Assam and that illegal encroachments would be dealt with strictly.

Emphasising women empowerment, the Minister said the government is committed to increasing women’s participation in politics and that 33% seats in future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections would be reserved for women candidates. He highlighted schemes like Orunodoi, stating that financial assistance is being directly transferred to women beneficiaries.

On tea garden workers, Chouhan alleged that Congress governments failed to grant them land rights. He said that under the present dispensation, land pattas are being distributed and houses under the PMAY scheme will be provided to eligible beneficiaries.

Concluding his address, Chouhan raised the slogan “Joy Aai Axom, Congress finish,” expressing confidence that the BJP-led NDA will return to power in Assam and urged people to vote for the alliance for continued development.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash