Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, while campaigning for Silchar candidate Parimal Suklabaidya and Karimganj candidate Kripanath Mallah in their respective constituencies, unveiled new initiatives on Wednesday. He announced a new life insurance scheme for the primary breadwinner of families and financial support for girls’ higher education.
In Silchar, the CM’s rally proceeded to the office of the Deputy Commissioner to formally submit his nomination. He was joined by party leadership including incumbent MP Dr Rajdeep Roy.
Addressing a significant public gathering in Silchar alongside Parimal Suklabaidya and in Karimganj with Kripanath Malla, CM Himanta expressed confidence in the victory of the BJP candidates, noting their clean records and projecting a record margin. He assured his return to Silchar before the elections to further strengthen the campaign for Suklabaidya.
In Silchar, the CM urged the people to vote for Parimal by a margin of 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh, and in Karimganj, he encouraged the people to vote for Kripanath by a margin of 1 lakh. However, the enthusiastic public in Karimganj expressed confidence in winning the candidates by a margin of 1.50 lakh votes.
In both constituencies, while enumerating the developmental projects undertaken under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in the health sector, infrastructure sector, and the provision of government jobs without bribery, he also assured the completion of the East-West Highway Corridor, establishment of a district library, initiation of development works for the tea tribe, Hindi, and Bengali-speaking people, and resolving all issues faced by the Bengali Hindus.
The Chief Minister noted that all States in Bharat are adopting the model of Assam Government’s Arunodoy scheme. Drawing parallels between schemes such as Ration Card, Ayushman Card, Insurance Scheme, Arunodoy, and Ujala Gas to five children, he urged everyone to limit family size to two children. He also assured the initiation of a new life insurance scheme for the primary breadwinner of the family in case of an untimely demise due to accidents or similar reasons, with the government covering the premium under this policy.
The Assam Government will cover the higher education expenses of all girls who pass Class 10th. Admission fees will be waived, and the bank accounts of young women enrolling in Higher Secondary (10+2) will be credited with Rs 10,000. Additionally, those pursuing a Degree will receive Rs 12,500, while those entering university will be credited with Rs 25,000.
Furthermore, the youth will be provided with 1.50 lakh job opportunities, and members of Self-Help Groups who achieve financial success, known as “lakhpati baideo,” will be credited with Rs 10,000 in the coming months.
By 2026, in Barak Valley, the Chief Minister has pledged to establish a mini-secretariat, accomplish rail electrification projects and various road-related initiatives, establish a medical college in Karimganj, and endeavour to attract major industries to Paanch Gram akin to Tata semiconductor unit in Jagiroad.
CM Himanta expressed sympathy for the people affected by the recent rain and storms. He acknowledged his inability to directly assist them due to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. However, he assured that all relevant authorities have been instructed to provide assistance to those impacted by the adverse weather conditions.
In a dig at the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, the Assam CM highlighted that the offices of Rajiv Bhawan in Silchar and Guwahati are now vacant as their members have joined the BJP.
CM Himanta further remarked, “Rahul Gandhi should revisit Assam to ease his work because whenever he visits here, Congress leaders and workers switch to BJP due to the developmental initiatives undertaken by the BJP under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Thus, there is no comparison between PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi.”
