Huge turnout testament to our commitment: CM at rally

Guwahati: From the revered soil of the ancient “living temple” — Gupteswar Devalaya in Dhekiajuli in northern Assam’s Sonitpur district — CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday began state BJP’s “Jan Ashirwad Yatra”.The campaign, which will move through assembly constituencies across Assam, aims to seek people’s blessings and support for a third consecutive term for the party.The “Jan Ashirwad Yatra” was flagged off from Gupteswar Temple by CM Sarma, along with BJP state President Dilip Saikia, in the presence of cabinet minister and Dhekiajuli MLA Ashok Singhal. Dhekiajuli — hallowed by the sacrifice of freedom fighters who died during the 1942 Quit India Movement — was chosen as the launchpad for the journey, which aims to connect with 1 lakh people each day.

State BJP announced an initial 8-day phase of the programme running until March 9. It said the yatra will take Central and state govt’s development and welfare initiatives to the public, while also seeking citizens’ blessings ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.Sarma highlighted the govt’s focus on holistic development, infrastructure strengthening, industrial growth, job creation, and welfare for all sections.

He also urged people to come together to realise PM Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and a “Viksit Assam.” “Today we saw a sea of people. They are coming out on their own and blessing BJP. I acknowledge and offer my deep gratitude to the people of Assam,” Sarma said.He said the journey would continue until midnight. “Today Assam’s scenario of development shows that in the last 10 years we put an effort to serve the people of Assam wholeheartedly,” Sarma said.Explaining the choice of Dhekiajuli as the starting point, BJP, in a statement, said the yatra is setting out from “this revered soil, blessed by supreme sacrifice”, with a resolve to shape Assam’s destiny. The yatra route was from Gupteswar Temple through Barsola, Tezpur, Naduar, and Rangapara, covering Assam’s civilisational and cultural landscape.BJP said the event drew massive crowds, describing the turnout as evidence of public faith in the party’s development-focused governance and policies.In a statement, senior state BJP spokesperson Manas Sarania said, “The “Jan Ashirwad Yatra” marks the dawn of a new chapter, carrying the message of progress across the State while consolidating the blessings and confidence of the people.”