From Bulldozers to Ballots: A Day in the Words of Assam CM

From defending bulldozers to distributing welfare, and from extending alliances to erasing doubts over citizen identity —Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks on Monday spanned the emotional, administrative, and political spectrum.

While critics accuse the government of conflating illegal encroachment with broader identity politics, supporters say Sarma is delivering on long-delayed promises.

“Small Discomfort To Gungun Chetia For A Larger Goal?

Reacting strongly to criticism around the eviction drive in Phukanhat Milon Nagar in Lakhimpur, which displaced 218 families from alleged encroached village grazing reserve (VGR) land, CM Sarma minced no words.

“We have evicted all illegal encroachers — and no one has taken any land from this woman [Gungun Chetia],” Sarma said, referring to the viral video showing a bulldozer clearing paddy fields. “When we are removing 350 Bangladeshis, should we stop if it causes a little inconvenience nearby?”

Recalling the legacy of the Assam Movement, the Chief Minister said, “855 Assamese gave their lives to drive out foreigners. Are we now to back off because someone’s paddy got uprooted? If the Assamese community starts thinking like this, will it survive?”

He alleged that the current uproar was politically motivated. “Those making noise aren’t concerned about the woman; they want to stop BJP from evicting Bangladeshis. But let me make it clear — no one can stop us.”

In contrast, local farmer Gungun Chetia — whose family returned government-issued paddy seedlings — stated the eviction notice came with barely four days’ warning. She claimed their crops, not their home, were destroyed, and called for better support for genuine indigenous cultivators.

“As Long as I'm CM, Lakhpati Baideos Will Keep Benefiting”

In Kokrajhar, the Chief Minister pivoted to welfare announcements aimed at empowering rural and tea garden communities.

Rs 10,000 assistance for each eligible woman was announced under new state-backed schemes.

Tea garden families will benefit from the Eti Kolir Duti Paat initiative.

Citizens previously left out of government benefits will now be issued ration cards.

“We never politicise schemes. Everyone who’s eligible should get benefits — no matter who they vote for,” Sarma said. “And let me promise you — as long as I remain the Chief Minister, Lakhpati Baideo’s will keep getting support.”

“No One Here Is a Second-Class Citizen”

Sarma struck an inclusive tone while addressing long-standing grievances in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

“No one in BTR should feel like a second-class citizen,” he said. “We’ve brought peace over the last seven years — now we will bring equality, development, and progress.”

He also pledged that land rights would be granted on merit, irrespective of background. “Everyone will get land — as per their eligibility,” he said.

“Ours Is the Strongest Coalition in Assam”

Turning to the political landscape, CM Sarma asserted that BJP’s alliance is unmatched in breadth and unity.
“Our doors are open to both BPF and UPPL. Our coalition is the largest — from Mising, Tiwa, Karbi, Dimasa, Boro to Kalita — and includes leaders like Atul Bora, Keshab Mahanta, Pramod Boro, Ranoj Pegu, Ramakanta Deori and more,” he said. “Tell me, what other coalition can stand against this?”

Clarifying that no final decision has yet been taken on contesting individual BTR constituencies, Sarma added, “I maintain good relations with everyone — even my opponents, as long as they’re not agents of Bangladesh or Pakistan.”

“He Assaulted a Journalist, Not an RTI Activist”

Responding to reports around the arrest of one Dilip Nath, Sarma clarified, “He was not an RTI activist. He’s someone who assaulted a journalist, fled to Nepal, and has now been arrested.”

“The People’s Enthusiasm Has Surprised Me”

Sarma, who has already toured four districts in recent weeks, announced that he will visit Chirang on July 9, and from July 21, begin constituency-wise visits across BTR.

“The people’s enthusiasm is far greater than I expected,” he said. “BJP doesn’t fight elections to oppose anyone. We contest only to take development to every corner of BTR.”

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