Ahead of the April 9 Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its election manifesto, titled ‘Sankalpa Patra’, in Guwahati on Tuesday. Unveiled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the document outlines 31 major pledges, with the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) being the standout commitment. The party promised to introduce the UCC within three months of returning to power, specifically excluding tribal communities and Sixth Schedule areas to protect indigenous customs.

Tackling ‘Jihad’ and Illegal Immigration The manifesto places heavy emphasis on identity and security. The BJP has committed to formulating a dedicated law to end “Love Jihad” and taking firm measures against “Land Jihad” (encroachment). Chief Minister Sarma reiterated the party’s resolve to expedite the detection and pushback of illegal immigrants by strictly enforcing the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act of 1950. “We will free every inch of land from illegal encroachers,” the manifesto declared, aiming to safeguard the civilization and heritage of the indigenous people.

A $150 Billion Economy and Job Surge On the economic front, the BJP has promised a massive boost, aiming to double Assam’s economy to $150 billion by 2031. Key welfare promises include increasing the monthly cash transfer under the ‘Orunodoi’ scheme for women from ₹1,250 to ₹3,000 and providing 2 lakh government jobs over the next five years. Additionally, an investment of ₹18,000 crore has been pledged to initiate the ‘Flood-Free Assam Mission’. With the launch of 1,000 CM Model Schools and an emphasis on making the state a semiconductor hub, the BJP is positioning its vision as a blend of cultural preservation and high-tech industrial growth to secure a third consecutive term.