Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday kicked off the ruling BJP’s campaign for the 2021 Assembly polls in Assam by launching a slew of projects and targeting the Congress and the new regional parties without naming them, but steering clear of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act that is being widely opposed in the state.

Participating in a massive government function at Amingaon in north Guwahati under Kamrup district, Shah launched several mega schemes, including laying the foundation stone for the development of the Batadrava Than in Nagaon district, the birthplace of saint-reformer Srimanta Sankakrdeva, into a spiritual tourism destination such as the Golden Temple in Punjab. He also distributed financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh each to 8,000 naamghars (community prayer hall) besides laying the foundation stone of a second medical college in Guwahati at a cost of Rs 755 crore and nine law colleges across the state.

The projects to develop Batadrava Than at a cost of Rs 188 crore and naamghars at Rs 200 crore are aimed at reaching out to a group that has considerable influence on a large section of population, especially in rural areas. The projects to boost health and legal education sectors are an attempt to woo the youth. Shah said the development of naamghars would strengthten the cultural heritage and preserve the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva.

Shah lamented the fact that the previous Congress government in the state did not take any step to free the land of Batadrava Than encroached upon by illegal immigrants, which the incumbent government did.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal addressing the gathering at the government function at Amingaon Telegraph picture

Shah ceremonially distributing financial assistance to naamghars in the state under the Asom Darshan scheme at the event Telegraph picture

Silence on CAA

Though Shah touched upon almost all issues ranging from flood and insurgency to health and education, he did not even once uttered the word CAA, which has triggered another round of protests led by student groups and anti-BJP parties in the state. Those opposed to the CAA feel it would pose a threat to Assam’s identity, culture and language.

In his speech, Shah stressed the importance of protecting and preserving the language, literature, culture and heritage of Assam while dwelling on the development of Batadrava Than and naamghars as they were an integral part of the state’s culture. The CAA was passed by Parliament in December 2019 but rules for its implementation have not yet been framed.

The AASU, at the forefront of the anti-CAA protests along with the KMSS and the AJYCP, was quick to question Shah’s silence on the contentious law, which is set to emerge as a key poll plank in 2021 state elections. The “imposition” of the law is cited as one of the reasons behind the formation of two new regional parties — Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Raijor Dal.

“The people of Assam have seen through Shah and the BJP government’s promises and commitments. They are talking of protecting Assam’s culture but have imposed the CAA and have taken no step to implement Clause 6 of the 1985 Assam Accord. The MHA-constituted committee submitted its report early this year. Nothing has happened. They are silent the on CAA because they know why the new regional parties were formed ” AASU president Dipanka nath told The Telegraph.

Clause 6 promises constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve and promote the culture, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. The CAA makes it easier for non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan to acquire Indian citizenship.

Attacking the Congress for not taking steps for the development of Assam and the Northeast, Shah listed the things the current government has done for the region such as releasing Rs 8,000 crore oil royalty to Assam, conferring Bharat Ratna to Dr Bhupen Hazarika and taking initiatives to usher in peace. He also lauded the state government for improving the education sector, offering scholarships and reaching out to the tea garden workers besides its appreciable efforts to combat Covid-19.

Referring to the Congress and alluding to the groups indulging in agitations without naming either the AJP, Raijor Dal or the AASU, Shah urged the masses to strongly reject any effort to destabilise the state. He hoped the masses would always choose the BJP to lead the state towards peace, progress and development while ignoring the rumours and misinformation spread by the agitators.

“The election season is coming. Some people will try to mislead the people by indulging agitations. Only youths have been martyred during agitation. But I want to ask what has agitation has given Assam? Has agitation led to development or creation of jobs? Some have floated a political party with the objective of splitting BJP votes... I want to ask Congress what it has done for the state? Can they do anything? Can they check influx? Can they develop Assam?” Shah said.

Grand welcome

Shah reached Guwahati just before midnight on Friday. He was accorded a grand welcome at the airport. Around 10,000 diyas were lit on both sides of the road from the airport to the National Highway and around 3,000 artistes from different ethnic groups showcased traditional dances. The streets were also lit up at several places on the way to Amingaon where he spent the night.

AICC general secretary Bhupen Kumar Borah said the grand welcome accorded to Shah on “a cold Friday night” is a direct challenge to the people of Assam by the ruling BJP, which has “imposed” the CAA, among others.

“People should realise this and give a fitting response in 2021,” Borah said.

Assam PCC media department chief Bobbeeta Sharma questioned why were artistes were made to perform in the cold. “It is total disregard for the artiste community. They are silent on the CAA,” she said.