A high-level meeting took place at Vajpayee Bhavan in Guwahati on April 3, where BJP Assam Pradesh leaders and spokespersons gathered under the leadership of Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass. Addressing the gathering, Dass made a bold statement, declaring that he would quit politics if the Congress managed to secure 50% of the seats in the upcoming Panchayat elections.
He expressed confidence in the BJP’s grassroots presence, emphasizing that the party’s developmental work across rural Assam would ensure a resounding victory. While dismissing the Congress as a weakened force, he challenged them to prove their strength in the polls. Dass stated that the people of Assam had already rejected the opposition in successive elections, and the upcoming Panchayat polls would further expose their declining influence.
During the meeting, BJP leaders discussed campaign strategies, focusing on the success of welfare schemes implemented by the state and central governments. Dass urged party workers to highlight initiatives such as rural road construction, housing schemes, and financial assistance for self-help groups. He emphasized that the BJP’s governance model had transformed rural Assam, making it unlikely for the Congress to regain lost ground.
He accused the opposition of misleading the people with false narratives and baseless allegations. He pointed out that while Congress leaders continued to criticize the BJP, they had failed to present any concrete development plans. He reiterated that BJP’s policies had directly benefited farmers, women, and marginalized communities, securing their support in previous elections.
He warned against political complacency and encouraged BJP karyakartas to intensify outreach efforts in rural areas. He advised them to counter opposition propaganda with factual information and success stories from BJP-led initiatives. He expressed confidence that voters would reward the BJP for its commitment to development and governance.
Senior party leaders present at the meeting echoed Dass’s sentiments, stating that Congress lacked both leadership and vision. They argued that BJP’s strong organizational structure and dedicated cadre had given it an unshakable advantage in local elections. They noted that the opposition’s past failures and lack of credibility would further weaken their electoral prospects.
As the campaign season gains momentum, BJP has ramped up its efforts to connect with rural voters. Ministers and MLAs have been visiting villages to interact with residents and assess the impact of government schemes. The party has also launched digital campaigns to counter misinformation and showcase its achievements.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders responded to Dass’s statement, calling it a desperate attempt to undermine the opposition. They claimed that public sentiment was shifting in their favor due to growing discontent over rising prices and unemployment. They accused the BJP of overconfidence and predicted surprising results in the Panchayat polls.
Political analysts believe Dass’s statement reflects the BJP’s confidence but also raises the stakes for the ruling party. They argue that while BJP remains dominant in Assam, local elections often present unique challenges, and opposition parties could capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments in certain regions.
With election dates approaching, both BJP and Congress are intensifying their efforts to mobilize supporters. The battle for Panchayat seats is expected to be a closely watched contest, shaping the political landscape ahead of the next assembly elections.
