HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 3: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated on Wednesday that “Jatiyotabad” prioritizes indigenous rights over the destruction of public assets.
He made these remarks while addressing the public during meetings at Amguri, Naharani, and Kenduguri under the Jaipur mandal as the campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections gains momentum.
The senior BJP leader emphasized the need for a healthy democratic environment for the country’s growth and development.
Sonowal was quoted in an official statement as saying, “The true essence of ‘Jatiyotabad’ lies in prioritising indigenous rights over the destruction of public assets. In this democratic festival, we must uphold truth, facts, the rule of law, and commitment to nation-building as fundamental principles to reinforce ‘Jatiyotabad’.”
He further asserted that ‘Jatiyotabad’ is a crucial concept that must be empowered with truth, facts, ideas, and action to achieve its objectives.
”It is a potent democratic tool – a strong voice of the people – that champions indigenous rights against the destruction of public assets,” he added.
Sonowal justified his statement by recalling the Congress’ enactment of the anti-people, anti-Assamese IMDT Act. He highlighted the approach taken by his government to secure legal rights over landholdings for indigenous people, mentioning the allocation of land rights to over 3,60,000 indigenous families since 2016.
Discussing governance, Sonowal likened PM Narendra Modi’s leadership to the governance model of Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha, emphasising inclusivity and development for all communities.
Addressing criticism from the opposition, Sonowal emphasized the importance of informed dialogue and respectful consideration of people’s concerns. He condemned attempts to provoke society with falsehoods and called for a focus on positive engagement within the democratic spirit of the nation.
He concluded by paying homage to the martyrs of the Assam agitation and acknowledging the contributions of forefathers and freedom fighters from the region.
