BJP's Top Guns Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari Campaign For New Candidate In Assam

As the electoral battle intensifies in Assam's Palashbari constituency ahead of the elections, the BJP has rolled out its top national campaigners - including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari- to bolster its campaign, signalling the constituency's growing political significance.

The party has fielded a young and first-time candidate, Himanshu Baishya, replacing sitting MLA Hemanga Thakuria, in what is being seen as a generational shift in Palashbari. The constituency, located close to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's Jalukbari seat, is witnessing a keen contest, with the opposition alliance backing senior Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) leader Pankaj Lochan Goswami.

The BJP's campaign gained momentum with high-profile rallies addressed by central leaders. 

Speaking at a public meeting in Palashbari, Gadkari said, "Assam will have a BJP government again, and the people of Palashbari should bless the BJP candidate with victory to accelerate development in the constituency."

He also assured key infrastructure projects, including a proposed four-lane expansion at the Guwahati entry point to Palashbari.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also addressed a massive gathering in the constituency, delivering a strong message in support of the BJP candidate and energising party workers and supporters on the ground.

Meanwhile, the young BJP candidate has been actively campaigning across both rural and urban areas, expressing confidence in the public response. "People of Palashbari are coming out in large numbers and showing tremendous support. I am hopeful of a record-margin victory," he told NDTV.

Highlighting the BJP government's performance, he said, "Under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, people are benefiting from various welfare schemes. The government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption and its development initiatives have built strong public trust."

He also pointed to the developmental impact of the neighbouring Jalukbari constituency. "There is a significant advantage due to proximity. Infrastructure and connectivity projects are benefiting Palashbari, and the Chief Minister is personally supervising many of these initiatives," he noted.

Taking a jibe at the opposition, the young candidate alleged that the AJP lacks grassroots connect. "With due respect, AJP is not a strong organisation. They are engaged in negative politics without a clear agenda. Elections should not be made personal, but they are attempting to do so while staying disconnected from the people," he remarked.

With both camps intensifying their outreach, Palashbari is emerging as a closely watched battleground in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.