Assam polls: BJP unveils manifesto with Rs 5 lakh cr investment pledge

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday released the BJP’s manifesto for the Assam assembly polls, outlining commitments on infrastructure investment, protection of indigenous communities, and policy measures including a Uniform Civil Code.

The party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ lists 31 promises, including Rs 5 lakh crore in infrastructure investment, recovery of encroached land from Bangladeshi Miyas, and measures aimed at ensuring development and employment opportunities for youths in the state.

The manifesto also focuses on the protection of land, heritage and dignity of indigenous people.

Sitharaman said the document was prepared on “a decade of transformation of the state, which the Congress could not achieve in 60 years”.

“The Congress had no focus on long-term development of North East as that is what its politics is all about”, she alleged.

She said there had been massive development in Assam under BJP rule, adding that “many young Assamese are leaving their global careers and returning to Assam, not out of compulsion but due to opportunities”.

According to Sitharaman, peace has been “restored in Assam” under the BJP, and development is possible only when there is stability.

“Assam lived with AFSPA for 32 years due to Congress policies, but the BJP ensured that the law was removed from most states,” she added.

Those present at the event included Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Pabitra Margherita, state BJP president Dilip Saikia, National Vice President Baijayant Panda, along with state cabinet ministers and senior party leaders.

Elections to 126 assembly constituencies in Assam will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.