On the second day of the ‘Jana Ashirwad Yatra’ in Jagiroad town, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma received a unique “bulldozer salute” from BJP supporters, who showered flower petals on him using a JCB. Speaking to NDTV, Sarma explained that the salute symbolizes the government’s commitment to ongoing land reclamation drives and its determination to continue eviction efforts after the upcoming Assembly elections. The chief minister described the response to the Yatra as overwhelming, highlighting the public’s enthusiasm and support for his administration’s initiatives.
Land Reclamation Drive to Intensify Post-Elections
Sarma emphasised that the Yatra and the bulldozer tribute reflect the government’s resolve to protect forest land and tribal belt areas from illegal occupation. He stated that nearly 1.5 lakh bighas of land have already been reclaimed from encroachers, and after the elections, eviction efforts will cover an additional 5 lakh bighas. “The message is clear: We will evict all illegal encroachers from forest land and tribal belt areas. We will not compromise on protecting the land rights of indigenous people,” the Chief Minister said, signalling a tough stance on land encroachment and illegal occupation.
Public Appreciation for Government Initiatives
During the Yatra, Sarma noted that many citizens personally approached him to express gratitude for multiple government initiatives. People thanked him not only for reclaiming land but also for securing clean government jobs, taking action against illegal infiltrators, and resolving long-standing issues in their communities. “People are not thanking us for just one issue, but for addressing multiple problems they faced in the past,” he said. This personal interaction with voters has been presented as evidence of the government’s direct engagement with the people and its focus on addressing their concerns.
Political Significance Ahead of Assembly Elections
The Jana Ashirwad Yatra is being projected as a major political outreach initiative by the BJP ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. The party is using the Yatra to connect directly with voters, showcase the government’s achievements, and reinforce its commitment to law and order, land protection, and social welfare. The bulldozer salute has quickly become a symbol of the ruling party’s assertive approach toward illegal encroachment, drawing widespread attention across Assam. Analysts view the Yatra as both a public relations campaign and a strategic effort to consolidate voter support in the run-up to the elections.
