HT Bureau
DIPHU, April 2: Amidst fervent cheers and enthusiastic crowds, BJP candidate Amarsing Tisso from the 6-Diphu (ST) Parliamentary Constituency, on Tuesday filed his nomination papers, signaling the start of what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
The nomination event was preceded by a public meeting at the Diphu Government Boys Higher Secondary School playground, where Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, rallied support for Tisso’s candidacy.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Sarma highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the government’s initiatives, particularly emphasising the linkage of ration cards with various welfare schemes.
“The Ration Card is linked with five schemes,” he announced. “You will get free health benefits, Arunodhoi, free gas cylinder under Ujwala, and now a free insurance scheme for the head of the family. So you are getting five benefits in one ration card.”
Sarma didn’t shy away from taking shots at political opponents, particularly targeting the All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC) and its candidate JI Kathar.
“APHLC has no government at the centre or state. APHLC winning means even cows will stop producing milk,” he asserted.
Expressing confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sarma predicted a third consecutive term for Modi and urged the electorate to support Tisso’s candidacy wholeheartedly.
Drawing parallels with the previous election, where BJP candidate Horensing Bey secured a massive victory, Sarma set high expectations for Tisso’s performance.
“Like wise Amarsing Tisso should win with more than 3 lakhs,” he declared.
Promising continued development in both Karbi Anglong and NC Hills districts, Sarma announced substantial funds allocated for infrastructural development across the hill districts.
“The government has sanctioned 20,000 crore for infrastructural development for the three hill districts Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao,” he disclosed.
In a bid to empower girl students, Sarma also unveiled incentives, stating that girls passing matric exams would receive Rs 10,000, those admitted to higher secondary would get Rs 12,500, and university entrants would be awarded Rs 25,000.
Echoing Sarma’s sentiments, chief executive member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, urged voters to support the BJP for peace and development.
The nomination process concluded with a vibrant roadshow led by Amarsing Tisso, who submitted his nomination papers to the returning officer and district commissioner, Madhumita Bhagawati.
Tisso was accompanied by a cadre of prominent leaders including CEM of KAAC, Ronghang; CEM of NC Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Garlosa; CEM of BTC, Promod Boro; deputy speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Dr Numal Momin; minister Nandita Garlosa, and MP Horensing Bey.