‘Leaders who visit Pakistan cannot lead Assam’: Amit Shah backs CM Sarma’s pledge to reclaim land from encroachers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 29, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday declared that “leaders who repeatedly visit Pakistan cannot lead Assam,” while strongly endorsing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s drive to reclaim land from illegal encroachers and grant land rights to indigenous families.

Shah was addressing the Panchayat Pratinidhi Sammelan at the Veterinary College Ground, Khanapara, organised to felicitate representatives of the BJP-led alliance who recently secured a landslide in the Panchayat elections. The event drew thousands of elected members from across the state.

“No matter how much the Opposition protests, the BJP government will free every inch of land from infiltrators. Already, lakhs of bighas have been reclaimed, including land belonging to Satras that was encroached upon during Congress rule. Resolving the issue of infiltrators is one of the greatest achievements of Himanta Biswa Sarma,” Shah said, while lauding the Sarma government’s efforts.

He further asserted that every welfare scheme of the Narendra Modi-led central government has reached villages through the Assam government’s effective delivery mechanism. “This is why the BJP and its allies secured a record 76% vote share in the Panchayat elections,” he said.

The Union Home Minister highlighted initiatives taken by the BJP government to strengthen Assam’s cultural identity and infrastructure. These include giving national recognition to Srimanta Sankardev, promoting the legacy of Lachit Barphukan, installing a statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma in Delhi, and building ten new bridges over the Brahmaputra.

He also credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for bringing peace to the Northeast and praised the state government for ensuring transparent recruitment in government jobs and attracting investments through the Advantage Assam programme. “Only Narendra Modi and Himanta Biswa Sarma can lead Assam forward,” Shah declared, calling on the people to pledge support for a third consecutive BJP-led government in the state.

Delivering a spirited address, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government is committed to protecting the rights of indigenous people. He announced that land under illegal occupation will be reclaimed and redistributed through the Basundhara Scheme. “Land will be allotted to indigenous families, while infiltrators will lose their claim. This is our solemn commitment,” Sarma said.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Assam for the overwhelming mandate in the Panchayat elections, the Chief Minister described the outcome as “historic and unmatched in the state’s political history.” The BJP-led alliance won 301 of 397 Zila Parishad seats, 1,445 of 2,188 Anchalik Panchayat seats, and 21,920 Ward Member seats.

“This is a proud moment for our alliance of BJP, AGP, Ganashakti, and Rabha Hasong. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have secured this grand success. I pledge to dedicate my life to protecting our community, land, and heritage,” Sarma said. He also announced that the state government will cover the full healthcare expenses of every Panchayat representative and their immediate family members.

State BJP president and MP Dilip Saikia also addressed the Sammelan, calling it a “historic moment in building a new Assam.” He noted that for the first time in history, elected representatives “from Panchayat to Parliament” had come together in such a gathering.

“From today, greater responsibilities are placed upon the 21,671 representatives elected by the people to realise the dream of a new Assam. Just as the nation has trusted Prime Minister Modi at the Centre, and Assam has trusted Himanta Biswa Sarma at Dispur, the people have entrusted you at the Panchayat level. It is our duty to fulfil Modi and Sarma’s vision of a stronger Assam,” Saikia said, urging members to gear up for the Assembly elections ahead.

Union Minister and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in his address, contrasted the BJP’s performance with the Congress years. “What the Congress could not achieve in 55 years, Narendra Modi has accomplished in just 11,” he said, urging Panchayat representatives to serve people with sincerity and dedication.

Leaders from alliance partners also spoke at the event. AGP President Atul Bora and Working President Keshab Mahanta pledged continued support to the BJP-led alliance, while Ganashakti President and Mising Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Paramananda Chayengia, and Rabha Hasong leader and Chief Executive Member Tangkeshwar Rabha also addressed the gathering, reaffirming unity in the NDA fold.

The Sammelan, marked by sharp political messages and promises of welfare, served as both a celebration of the Panchayat victory and a clarion call for the 2026 Assembly elections.