Guwahati, 26 March (H.S.)- Assam BJP media panelist Ashish Bharali highlighted cultural projects and land reclamation efforts while criticising previous governments over heritage preservation.
BJP Assam Pradesh media panelist Ashish Bharali on Thursday said the party-led state government has taken significant steps to preserve and promote Assam’s cultural and spiritual heritage, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev.
Speaking on the government’s initiatives, Bharali pointed to infrastructure development, heritage restoration and tourism-focused projects undertaken since the BJP-led NDA assumed power in the state in 2016.
Focus on Srimanta Sankardev Cultural Complex
Bharali highlighted the development of the Srimanta Sankardev Avirbhav Kshetra at Bordowa, the saint’s birthplace, describing it as a major cultural tribute. According to him, the project has been developed over nearly 200 bighas of land with an investment of about ₹217 crore under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The cultural complex includes a grand ‘Guru Asan’, exhibitions depicting Sankardev’s life and literary contributions, landscaped gardens, water bodies and guest facilities. He said the site is emerging as an important centre for cultural tourism in Assam.
Allegations Over Encroachment and Policy Approach
The BJP spokesperson alleged that the Bordowa site had faced encroachment issues for decades and criticised previous Congress-led governments for not taking adequate action. He claimed that steps to reclaim land and initiate the cultural project were taken only after the BJP government came to power with a focus on protecting “jati, mati, bheti” — a phrase often used in Assam politics to refer to identity, land and roots.
Bharali also alleged that demographic changes during earlier administrations had affected indigenous communities and said the current government has prioritised reclaiming encroached satra lands, forest areas and government properties.
Other Cultural Initiatives Highlighted
Among other initiatives, Bharali cited financial support provided under the Assam Darshan scheme, which aims to assist in the preservation and beautification of namghars (community prayer halls) and temples across the state.
He also referred to projects such as the Madhavdev Kalakshetra in Bihpuria, a memorial dedicated to martyrs of the Assam Movement in Guwahati, a freedom fighters’ park in Jorhat, and restoration work at the historic Rang Ghar monument in Sivasagar.
Additionally, he mentioned efforts to bring back the Vrindavani Vastra, a culturally significant textile associated with Sankardev’s legacy, as part of broader attempts to reconnect people with Assam’s civilisational heritage.
Public Impact and Context
Cultural infrastructure projects and heritage restoration efforts have become an important part of governance and tourism strategies in Assam. Such initiatives are seen as contributing to regional identity, attracting visitors and generating local economic opportunities, while also shaping political debates around land, demography and development priorities.
Bharali said the BJP government will continue to focus on safeguarding Assam’s cultural traditions and strengthening institutions linked to its spiritual legacy. The remarks come amid ongoing political contestation in the state over heritage policies, land use and the role of cultural identity in public life.(With inputs from H.S.)
Inputs & Images courtesy: Hindusthan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:33 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Thursday, March 26, 2026 10:33 pm | News Categories: India
About The Author
