Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Outlines Vision for Development, Self-Reliance, and Protection of Indigenous Identity in Independence Day Address

GUWAHATI-   On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the national flag at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara, Guwahati, delivering a speech that blended economic achievements, social reforms, and strong calls to safeguard indigenous identity.

Economic Growth & Development Milestones

Sarma highlighted that Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) had surged from ₹3.40 lakh crore in 2020–21 to an estimated ₹7.25 lakh crore in 2025–26 — a growth of over 113%. He credited political stability, peace accords, and public hard work for making Assam “the fastest-growing state in the country.”

Key infrastructure achievements included:

• 14 km of roads built daily over 4.5 years (3rd in India for pace)
• Reclamation of 1.20 lakh bighas of encroached land, including satra properties
• Announcement of Mission Basundhara 3.0 (launching October 2) to resolve land disputes
• Creation of 74 new sub-divisions/districts and designation of Chiknajhar as the state’s 8th National Park in BTAD

Self-Reliance & Employment Generation

Sarma urged that Assam should aim to prosper without relying on central aid. He announced:

• Over 51 lakh government jobs filled, more coming in October
• Nijut Moina Scheme to launch by October 10
• Issuance of family IDs/ration cards to 20 lakh people
• Growth in tourism, ranking Assam as 4th most-visited state in India
• Energy partnerships with Tata Power, Adani Power, and JSW Group to boost renewable and thermal energy

Safeguarding Indigenous Identity

A large part of Sarma’s speech focused on demographic concerns, noting a decline in the Hindu population to 57% and a rise in the Muslim population to 41%. Warning against “land jihad” and “love jihad,” he said:

“If we remain silent, we will lose our community and homeland in 10 years. In 15 years, 80% of our ministers could be from unknown communities.”

Sarma vowed to continue eviction drives to protect indigenous land rights, introduced plans for a State Domicile Policy, and highlighted the recent delimitation exercise as a safeguard for native representation.

Environmental & Social Commitments

The CM addressed:

• Hill mining in Meghalaya causing water issues in Guwahati
• Artificial floods from plastic waste, urging citizens to avoid dumping and building on drains
• A pledge to end child marriage by 2026
• Reduction in crimes against women due to peace initiatives

Tributes & Cultural Preservation

Sarma paid tribute to freedom fighters, emphasized the importance of Satra culture, and announced that the Noonmati-Dighalipukhuri flyover would be named after Maharaj Prithu.

Concluding, Sarma called upon the youth to become custodians of Assam’s heritage and future. “Assam stands at a turning point. Let us unite to protect our home and build a prosperous future.”

Heightened security was maintained during the celebrations due to a boycott call from ULFA (I). Sarma’s strong words on demographic changes sparked intense debate on X (Twitter), reflecting divided opinions on identity and policy.