During a political rally at Faridkot in Punjab, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma drew intriguing parallels between the historical struggles of Punjab and the Northeast region of Bharat, accentuating shared experiences of insurgency and subsequent development, according to media reports.
Reflecting on the tumultuous past of both regions, the Assam CM spoke about the era when Punjab and the Northeast grappled with insurgency, comparing the frequency of violence and loss of lives in the two areas. He highlighted the remarkable transformation witnessed by Bharat, from a period of uncertainty to one of significant development and progress.
Delving into cultural connections, CM Himanta noted the historical presence of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Sikh Guru, in Assam, highlighting the rich tradition of shared heritage between Punjab and the Northeastern State. He outlined similarities in the teachings of Sikh Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Assam’s revered figure, Srimanta Sankardeva, accentuating the deep-rooted cultural affinities between the two regions.
Recalling the political journey of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma recounted the party’s initial struggles in gaining electoral traction in both Assam and Punjab. Despite challenges, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP made significant electoral gains, with Assam witnessing a surge in Lok Sabha representation from 2 to 4 MPs in 2014. Through concerted efforts, BJP formed its first government in Assam in 2016, a milestone repeated in the 2021 State elections.
