Guwahati, March 2: Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on March 1 stated that the Central government is keeping a close watch on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, assuring that any official step would be announced through established channels. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a youth conference in Majuli, he said authorities remain in constant communication with Indian embassies and missions abroad. He noted that several individuals from affected areas have contacted Indian diplomatic missions, adding that any action by the Ministry would be conveyed formally.
The youth conference was held at Dariyapar by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Majuli district committee, with participation from its Ujani Majuli, Dakshin-Purba, Madhya Majuli and Namoni Majuli mandals. Margherita attended the programme and addressed various state and national issues during his interaction.
Referring to the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, he asserted that Majuli has consistently supported the Bharatiya Janata Party in Panchayat, Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. He claimed that the Indian National Congress would remain restricted to limited areas in the state and maintained that voters in Majuli have repeatedly turned down the party.
On the subject of opposition unity in Assam, Margherita remarked that there was nothing unprecedented about rival parties coming together. He said similar alliances had been attempted in earlier elections and were rejected by the electorate.
Addressing concerns related to land at Batadrava Than, he alleged that encroachments had been cleared under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He further stated that both the Centre and the state government are making concerted efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Majuli, clarifying that the final determination rests with UNESCO and that authorities are putting in “100 per cent efforts” to achieve the recognition.
Responding to queries about the death of singer Zubeen Garg, the minister said both the judiciary and the government are working to ensure justice. He expressed hope that the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death would be fully uncovered and that those responsible would face punishment, voicing confidence in the judicial process.
On the issue of Gaurav Gogoi contesting from Jorhat, Margherita said that as president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Gogoi has the prerogative to decide his constituency, adding that the BJP welcomes his move.
