Guwahati, Jan 18: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, January 18, projected the state as one transformed by large-scale infrastructure development, renewed cultural confidence and stronger governance, asserting that the BJP would return to power in Assam in the 2026 Assembly elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing a public gathering, Sarma said several ambitious projects that were once seen as unrealistic dreams have now taken concrete shape, reflecting a new phase in Assam’s development. Referring to major bridges over the Brahmaputra, the proposed underwater tunnel and the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, he said these initiatives symbolise how the state has moved from long-standing aspirations to visible achievements. He remarked that there was a time when he himself doubted whether such projects would ever materialise, but they have now become realities.
The Chief Minister highlighted Assam’s growing cultural resurgence, citing the recent grand Bagurumba dance performance in which nearly 10,000 artistes performed together in the presence of Prime Minister Modi. He said the event reflected the state’s renewed self-belief and cultural pride, adding that Assam is now standing confidently on its own feet with the support of the Prime Minister.
Sarma also spoke about the significance of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, a project worth around Rs 7,000 crore, stating that it would reduce travel time through the ecologically sensitive area by almost an hour once completed. He added that the project would play a crucial role in strengthening wildlife protection, asserting that rhino poaching in Kaziranga has effectively come to an end, which he described as a reflection of the rule of law in what he called the “new Assam”.
Reacting strongly to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s opposition to the corridor project, Sarma accused the Congress of working against Assam’s development. He said the people of Assam would not surrender to what he described as Pakistani agents or unknown forces, asserting that the state has emerged as confident and self-reliant.
Reiterating the BJP’s confidence ahead of the 2026 elections, the Chief Minister said the party would form the next government in Assam and present it as a “gift” to Prime Minister Modi. He also thanked the Centre for strengthening railway connectivity in the state, noting that Assam received three new trains within a span of just two days.
Concluding his address, Sarma said Assam is witnessing an unprecedented pace of development and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continued support in driving the state’s transformation.
