Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has promised accelerated Laharighat development, saying the Congress-held constituency will receive government facilities and schemes on a par with other parts of the state. He made the announcement during a victory celebration rally following the BJP’s victory in the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll.
However, the chief minister also launched a sharp attack on the local Congress MLA, Asif Mohammad Nazar. He urged residents to approach newly elected BJP MP Devasish Sharma with their demands instead of relying on their elected Assembly representative.
Himanta promises equal Laharighat development
Addressing the gathering in Morigaon district on Monday, November 9, Sarma assured residents that the state government would fulfil the promises made to them. He said development should not depend on which political party represents a constituency.
The chief minister stressed that Laharighat must receive facilities and government schemes similar to neighbouring Morigaon and Jagiroad. Moreover, he assured residents that development projects would move forward despite the constituency being represented by an opposition MLA.
“After elections, leaders forget their promises and don’t come to the voters again. But I have come to be with you all after the bypoll also to tell you that all the promises made to you will be kept,” Sarma said.
He also indicated that the government would use the newly elected MP as a channel to address local demands. According to him, residents should take their grievances and development requests to Devasish Sharma.
‘Pagla MLA cannot do anything’, says Himanta
Sarma’s remarks against Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar became a major part of his address. Referring to the legislator as “pagla MLA”, the chief minister questioned his ability to deliver development in the constituency.
He said residents should not approach the MLA for government-related work. Instead, he asked them to communicate their needs through the BJP’s newly elected parliamentary representative.
“All development works have to be done here, but not through the ‘pagla MLA’. It has to be done through our MP, and through him, by your ‘Mama’,” Sarma said.
The chief minister is popularly known as ‘Mama’ among many people in Assam.
Furthermore, Sarma reiterated that his government would take responsibility for development in the constituency. He argued that supporting the BJP would bring better opportunities for local residents.
Nagaon bypoll victory strengthens BJP’s position
The chief minister’s visit came after the BJP secured the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat in the October bypoll, wresting it from the Congress. The result has strengthened the party’s position in the parliamentary constituency, which includes eight Assembly segments.
These segments include Laharighat, Morigaon and Jagiroad. In the April state election, the BJP won four Assembly segments, while the Congress secured three. The Raijor Dal won the remaining seat.
Therefore, the Nagaon bypoll result has provided the BJP with fresh political momentum in the region. Sarma used the victory rally to appeal to voters to maintain their support for the ruling party.
He also urged residents to become associated with local BJP committees. According to him, this would help people remain informed about government schemes and development programmes.
Himanta attacks Congress and AIUDF
Sarma also criticised the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) while addressing the gathering. He argued that supporting these opposition parties would not help bring progress to Assam.
The chief minister claimed that the Congress would remain out of power in the state for at least another 50 years. He used the statement to encourage residents to strengthen the BJP at the grassroots level.
“There is no good in supporting the Congress or the AIUDF; progress will happen under the BJP…the ‘pagla MLA’ cannot do anything; whatever has to be done, we will do it,” he said.
Moreover, Sarma asked people to maintain direct communication with BJP representatives to learn about government initiatives. He presented the party’s local organisational network as an important link between residents and the administration.
His remarks also highlighted the political contest between the BJP and Congress in central Assam. The chief minister sought to turn the parliamentary bypoll victory into wider support for the BJP ahead of future electoral contests.
Laharighat development remains a key political issue
Laharighat is a Muslim-majority Assembly constituency in Assam’s Morigaon district. Its political representation has remained important in the wider contest between the BJP and Congress in the Nagaon parliamentary region.
The latest promise from Sarma places the constituency’s development at the centre of the BJP’s post-bypoll political outreach. His assurance also signals an attempt to expand the party’s influence in areas where Congress continues to hold Assembly seats.
However, the chief minister’s public remarks did not specify individual development projects, financial allocations or implementation deadlines for Laharighat. He did not announce a separate development package during the rally, according to the available report.
Consequently, residents will look for concrete action on infrastructure, public facilities and access to government welfare schemes. Delivering these improvements will be important in determining whether the government’s assurances translate into visible changes.
The political disagreement over the local MLA also raises questions about coordination between elected representatives and the state administration. Nevertheless, development benefits and public services remain important responsibilities of the government, regardless of political differences.
Sarma’s assurance has therefore placed fresh attention on Laharighat. Whether the BJP can turn its electoral momentum into sustained development will depend on the implementation of its promises in the constituency.
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