HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 3: In a politically charged visit to the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a strong message on eviction, reiterating his government’s firm stance on evictions, stating, “We will evict those who need to be evicted. And to those who deserve land rights, we will issue land pattas.”
Addressing public gatherings across Tamulpur district, Sarma said that when people stand with the BJP, there will be no evictions— a comment that subtly linked political allegiance with administrative protection.
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In a region marked by longstanding land disputes and ethnic tensions, the statement signals a tough law-and-order approach while offering reassurances to BJP supporters.
The chief minister also made a high-stakes promise to resolve the contentious D-voter issue within three months — a subject that has triggered anxiety among communities in BTR and lower Assam.
In a bid to broaden the BJP’s appeal among youth, women, and economically vulnerable groups, chief minister Sarma unveiled a set of welfare initiatives during his visit to the Bodoland Territorial Region.
These include ₹250 financial assistance for cooking gas under the Orunodoi scheme, a ₹300 monthly cash transfer for all Class 10 students starting in October, and a firm assurance of transparent, merit-based job recruitment—specifically targeting Kokrajhar, a district often plagued by allegations of corruption in hiring.
The announcements, timed ahead of the BTC elections, appear aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots connect and expanding its voter base across key demographics.
These moves appear strategically timed to expand the BJP’s base ahead of the polls.
Sarma positioned the restoration of peace in BTR as a hallmark of his tenure.
“Since I became Chief Minister, there hasn’t been a single bullet fired, no ethnic conflict. The fear and distrust are gone,” he said, drawing a sharp contrast with the region’s turbulent past.
While stating that the BJP maintains cordial relations with allies United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), Sarma’s appeal to voters was pointed.
“We have no conflict with UPPL or BPF, but this time, vote for the Lotus,” he urged, suggesting the BJP’s ambition to go solo and dominate the BTC elections — a tactic the party has employed in other regions to reduce dependency on regional partners.
In a key electoral update, the chief minister confirmed that BTC elections will be held before Durga Puja in early October, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest in the region.
As the BJP sharpens its narrative of peace, stability, and direct benefit schemes, Sarma’s tour underscores the party’s determination to consolidate power in BTR — with or without its current allies.
