Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign in Upper Assam on Monday with a series of major development announcements for Majuli while campaigning for BJP candidate Bhuban Gam. Addressing a public rally on the river island, Sarma presented a comprehensive development roadmap aimed at transforming Majuli into a key educational and cultural hub. His proposals covered multiple sectors, including healthcare, higher education, infrastructure development, and long-term measures to address erosion issues that have historically affected the island’s geography and livelihoods.
Plans for Education, Healthcare, and Cultural Infrastructure
Sarma announced the establishment of a medical college in Majuli and proposed a financial allocation of ₹250 crore to upgrade Majuli University of Culture into a full-fledged university. He emphasized that the broader vision is to position Majuli as an academic center with a focus on modern disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Economics, and Political Science. Alongside education, the Chief Minister also highlighted the need for improved public infrastructure, pointing out the absence of a large auditorium in the district. He stated that the government plans to construct a 2,000-capacity auditorium to support cultural events and community gatherings, strengthening Majuli’s role as both an educational and cultural destination.
Flood Protection and Riverbank Erosion Control Measures
A significant portion of Sarma’s announcement focused on addressing Majuli’s longstanding vulnerability to floods and riverbank erosion. He outlined a large-scale river protection initiative involving geo-tube embankment development extending from upper to lower Majuli. According to him, this project is expected to reclaim and protect approximately 45,000 bighas of farmland, directly benefiting local farmers and stabilizing the region’s agricultural base. Sarma also invoked Majuli’s deep cultural and spiritual heritage, referencing the legacy of Srimanta Sankardeva and the island’s Vaishnavite traditions, framing development efforts as aligned with preserving its historical identity.
Political Attack on Congress and Electoral Narrative
During his speech, Sarma launched a strong political critique of the Congress party, alleging that previous governments neglected Majuli and failed to prioritize its development. He contrasted his own frequent visits to the island with what he described as limited engagement by former Congress leaders, claiming that he and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had collectively visited Majuli far more often than earlier administrations. Sarma also accused the Congress of focusing on areas with illegal Bangladeshi immigrants rather than indigenous concerns, using this argument to reinforce his broader political narrative. Positioning the election as a choice between competing visions, he questioned whether Assam should follow its historical and cultural legacy or adopt what he termed a “new Assam” envisioned by the opposition.
