Guwahati, March 2: Thousands of people assembled in Gohpur on March 2 to welcome Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the third day of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra witnessed a strong public response ahead of the Assembly elections. Supporters lined the streets, showered floral tributes and cheered as the Chief Minister greeted them along the route. Sharing a video of the reception on X, Sarma wrote, “Not Santa, but I always have gifts for my Bhaginas,” in an affectionate reference to the people.
Expressing gratitude for the enthusiastic turnout over the past two days, Sarma said the response had surpassed his expectations. He noted that the previous night’s programme continued until 12:30 am, with large crowds present throughout. According to him, people are acknowledging the work done over the past five years and he expressed hope for a strong mandate in the upcoming elections.
The Chief Minister said many residents have thanked him for initiatives related to land rights and employment, as well as measures taken against illegal infiltration. Reiterating his government’s position, he stated that eviction drives would continue and that five lakh bighas of allegedly encroached land would be reclaimed over the next five years. He added that land pattas would be granted exclusively to indigenous people. In a statement from the party’s state headquarters at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita described the yatra as an outreach initiative reaffirming the party’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Assam’s indigenous communities.
The campaign also spotlighted the government’s efforts to restore and redevelop Batadrava Than, the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardev, as part of broader cultural and heritage preservation measures.
The yatra began on February 28 in Dhekiajuli constituency of Sonitpur district and resumed from Jagiroad on its second day. During its first phase, which runs until March 9, the campaign aims to connect with more than one lakh people daily across the state.
