Guwahati, May 3, 2025 — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has termed the upcoming panchayat election in the newly delimitated Jalukbari constituency as a crucial trial run for the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking during an election rally in the area, Sarma expressed confidence in the BJP’s grassroots support and underlined the importance of the poll in shaping the political roadmap for the coming years.
He urged voters to treat the panchayat elections as a prelude to the bigger battle that lies ahead. The chief minister said the government views the Jalukbari poll as an opportunity to reinforce the developmental vision laid out by the BJP and to assess the people’s readiness to continue the journey of progress. He asserted that the BJP’s track record in delivering on promises makes it the most suitable party to empower local governance.
Sarma appealed to voters to align with the BJP not just for continuity in governance but also for accelerating the pace of infrastructure development, employment, and social welfare initiatives. He said the party’s goal in the upcoming panchayat polls is not only to secure victory but also to gather valuable feedback from the grassroots that will inform strategies for the 2026 Assembly elections.
Addressing the rally, he reminded residents of the Jalukbari constituency of the visible progress the region has witnessed under BJP rule. He highlighted infrastructure upgrades, welfare schemes, and increased access to public services as key achievements of his administration. Sarma said these advancements are a direct result of consistent policy implementation and people’s trust in the BJP leadership.
The chief minister also took a jab at the opposition, particularly the Congress party, claiming it lacks both vision and commitment to local development. He said Congress leaders have repeatedly failed to connect with the people on the ground and have shown little interest in panchayat-level issues. According to him, this election will expose the widening gap between Congress rhetoric and public expectations.
Sarma added that the panchayat elections serve as a mirror reflecting people’s aspirations and the government’s ability to meet them. He emphasized the need for a cohesive strategy where state-level planning aligns with village-level execution. He said the BJP’s strength lies in its ability to empower local leaders who can act swiftly and decisively to address everyday issues faced by residents.
During his speech, he praised the delimitation process, calling it a step toward electoral clarity and better representation. He said Jalukbari’s new boundaries reflect population realities and ensure that every vote counts. According to Sarma, the exercise will lead to more efficient governance, as resources and responsibilities will be more equitably distributed among local bodies.
He further stated that the panchayat poll in Jalukbari will test not just political popularity but also administrative readiness. Sarma said the election will help identify areas where the government needs to intensify outreach and address local grievances more directly. He added that the campaign phase itself is a form of engagement, allowing leaders to reconnect with communities and reaffirm their commitment to service.
Sarma reiterated his call for a strong BJP mandate, stating that political stability at all levels enables the government to plan long-term initiatives. He asked voters to assess parties based on performance, not promises, and to support the BJP if they wished to see continued growth and development.
The chief minister concluded his address by thanking residents of Jalukbari for their consistent support and said he looked forward to working with the newly elected panchayat leaders. He assured the electorate that the BJP would stand with them through every challenge and opportunity, ensuring that Jalukbari emerges as a model constituency in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.
In addition to his strong political message, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of youth engagement in shaping the political future of Assam. He said the upcoming panchayat polls offer a chance for young voters to actively participate in the democratic process and understand the role of local governance in everyday life. He encouraged first-time voters to exercise their rights and contribute to the state’s growth story by supporting capable and committed local representatives.
Sarma also spoke about the government’s focus on digital governance at the village level. He said the BJP-led administration aims to integrate technology into panchayat functioning to improve service delivery, transparency, and grievance redressal. He mentioned upcoming initiatives that will digitize local records, automate welfare scheme tracking, and introduce e-governance tools to ensure that villagers receive timely benefits.
The chief minister added that Jalukbari’s delimitation has brought in new demographic dynamics, and the administration is carefully studying these changes to better cater to the evolving needs of the region. He said that targeted schemes for women, farmers, and marginalized communities will be adjusted based on fresh constituency data to make governance more inclusive and effective.
Sarma also acknowledged the contribution of panchayat leaders over the past five years in ensuring policy execution on the ground. He said that with increased devolution of powers, village panchayats now play a critical role in bridging the gap between citizens and the state government. He urged aspiring candidates to take their responsibilities seriously, as their performance will directly impact public perception of the state’s overall governance model.
He further stated that the government plans to use Jalukbari as a pilot site for several village-level reforms, including skill development centres, start-up incubation hubs, and community health programs. These initiatives, he said, will not only improve the quality of life in the area but also create replicable models for other regions in Assam.