Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has underlined a significant shift in how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approaches elections across all levels of governance. While addressing reporters during the ongoing campaign for the Panchayat elections, he stated that the BJP does not treat elections as mere contests for political power but as essential instruments for refining public policy. He emphasized that every election—from Panchayat to Municipality to Lok Sabha—serves as a vital grassroots mechanism that helps the party understand people’s issues in real time and translate them into meaningful governance.
Sarma explained that during campaign periods, BJP leaders engage deeply with the public, using the opportunity not just to seek support but to actively listen and gather feedback. He noted that election campaigns offer a direct connection to the people, which is often unavailable through routine administrative channels. According to him, these interactions reveal the concerns, expectations, and aspirations of the citizens, which the government can then use to shape practical, on-the-ground policies.
He highlighted that unlike other parties that may focus solely on vote counts, the BJP considers each campaign an outreach tool. He said that BJP legislators regularly travel across their constituencies during election periods to identify gaps in public services and to understand the changing needs of local communities. He made it clear that the feedback collected during these visits does not end with the elections. Instead, it becomes the foundation for policy adjustments, administrative planning, and targeted development initiatives.
The Chief Minister stressed that the party’s focus on Panchayat elections is especially strong because these polls are closest to the grassroots. He described them as a direct reflection of how people view the government’s performance in villages and small towns. By engaging with voters at this level, the government can fine-tune welfare programs, infrastructure projects, and service delivery systems. He argued that this approach makes governance more responsive and rooted in the realities of the people.
Sarma also pointed out that several policy reforms initiated in recent years have come directly from the insights gained during election campaigns. He cited examples where specific grievances raised by citizens during Panchayat visits had led to changes in local health services, education delivery, and agricultural support schemes. In his view, this model of policy-through-feedback gives the BJP a unique advantage in creating people-centric governance.
He further said that this philosophy explains why the BJP places equal importance on every election, whether it is at the national level or within a small village Panchayat. He added that the real-time assessment from the ground enables the government to stay connected to evolving public sentiment. The process helps keep ministers and officers aligned with the day-to-day issues that matter most to ordinary citizens.
Sarma believes that democratic engagement must go beyond the ballot box. For him, elections are ongoing conversations with the people that help the state administration adjust its direction. He said that the BJP’s strength lies in its ability to use every campaign as a listening exercise, which then shapes decisions that affect people’s lives meaningfully. He dismissed the notion that elections are only about winning seats, asserting that they are equally about learning, adapting, and improving governance outcomes.
As the Panchayat elections continue, Sarma’s message signals a deeper strategy at play. By embedding feedback-driven governance into its electoral strategy, the BJP aims to maintain its connect with voters while strengthening public trust. The Chief Minister’s approach blends politics with policy, turning every election into an opportunity for constructive change. This perspective not only sets a distinctive tone in Assam’s political discourse but also redefines the role of electoral campaigns in modern governance.
Sarma also noted that this approach fosters a culture of accountability within the party, where elected representatives cannot afford to remain detached from the needs of their constituents. He explained that BJP legislators are not just politicians but active problem-solvers who work closely with communities to identify challenges and create actionable solutions. This hands-on approach, according to Sarma, builds trust and strengthens the bond between the electorate and the elected officials.
Additionally, the Chief Minister emphasized the role of technology in enhancing the feedback loop. He pointed out that the BJP has increasingly relied on digital tools to engage with citizens during election campaigns. Social media platforms, mobile applications, and online surveys allow the government to reach a wider audience and collect real-time feedback on policies and public services. This integration of technology ensures that even the most remote areas are heard and considered in the policy-making process.
Sarma further elaborated on how the party’s election-driven policy approach contributes to long-term stability and growth. By continuously adapting to the changing needs of the public, the BJP can ensure that its policies remain relevant and effective in tackling emerging challenges. The feedback-driven model, he said, allows the government to take a proactive stance, rather than merely responding to crises or public outcry.
He also addressed the issue of public participation, urging citizens to view elections as more than just a chance to vote. Sarma believes that elections are an opportunity for people to voice their concerns, suggest improvements, and become active participants in the governance process. He encouraged people to engage in discussions with local representatives and help shape policies that directly affect their lives.