Guwahati, 26 March (H.S.) – At a press conference in Guwahati, BJP leader Dilip Saikia criticised past Congress governments over land encroachment and immigration issues while highlighting steps taken by the current administration.
Assam BJP President and Member of Parliament Dilip Saikia on Thursday said the Bharatiya Janata Party remains firmly committed to safeguarding the rights, identity, and cultural heritage of the state’s indigenous communities.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s state headquarters — Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhavan in Guwahati — Saikia outlined the BJP’s historical and ongoing stance on issues such as illegal immigration, land encroachment, and governance reforms.
Key Announcements and Allegations
Saikia said the BJP has supported public sentiment in Assam since the period of the Assam Movement, which demanded the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants. He noted that during the controversial 1983 Assembly elections, the party had boycotted the polls in solidarity with protestors.
He also criticised political opponents, alleging that certain parties had opposed the movement and participated in the elections despite widespread unrest.
Reference to IMDT Act and NRC
The BJP leader referred to the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, commonly known as the IMDT Act, stating that the Supreme Court had previously struck it down after identifying it as discriminatory.
Saikia further claimed that governance challenges during earlier Congress-led administrations complicated the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a key exercise aimed at identifying undocumented migrants in the state.
Claims on Land Encroachment and Eviction Drives
Highlighting recent government initiatives, Saikia said the BJP-led state administration has conducted eviction drives in several areas since coming to power in 2016. He cited Batadrava as one such location where action was taken to remove encroachments.
According to him, around 1.5 lakh bighas of government land have been freed from alleged illegal occupation over the past five years under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He also pointed to the development of the Srimanta Sankardeva Abirbhav Kshetra at the Vaishnavite saint’s birthplace, stating that the project was completed at a cost of ₹217 crore following the eviction drives.
Political Criticism of Congress
Saikia accused the Congress of engaging in “vote-bank politics” and facilitating the settlement of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants during its tenure in power. He also took aim at the party’s slogan “Natun Bor Asom,” alleging that it prioritises the protection of illegal settlers over the interests of indigenous communities.
He said the BJP intends to bring such issues into wider public discussion, particularly among younger voters who may be less familiar with the historical context.
Public Impact and Relevance
Issues related to immigration, land rights, and cultural identity remain politically and socially significant in Assam. Policies concerning eviction drives, citizenship verification, and development projects have direct implications for local communities, governance priorities, and electoral debates in the state.
Reaffirming the party’s position, Saikia said the BJP will continue its efforts to preserve Assam’s cultural identity and prioritise the interests of indigenous people under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government.
The remarks come amid ongoing political contestation in Assam over development strategies, demographic concerns, and the future direction of state policies. (With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:10 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:00 pm | News Categories: India
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