Guwahati, May 6: Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia on Monday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party gives priority to the people of the villages, not to Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi. His statement came as the party concluded its second phase of campaigning for the 2025 Panchayat Elections.

Speaking at a press conference, Saikia clarified that Gogoi’s name was mentioned only in response to a journalist’s query and reaffirmed that the BJP’s focus remains on the 15 pledges outlined in its Sankalp Patra (manifesto).

The BJP leader expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the NDA leadership for their support and extensive campaigning. According to a party statement, CM Sarma addressed over five lakh people across 26 public meetings. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal participated in 31 meetings, while Saikia himself addressed 51 meetings, including victory campaigns and party worker interactions.

Saikia also thanked AGP President and Minister Atul Bora, Minister Keshab Mahanta, and other ministers and MPs for conducting campaigns in their respective districts.

Emphasising the significance of the local body polls, Saikia said the BJP treats Panchayat elections with the same seriousness as Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, conducting its campaign in an organised and disciplined manner.

The second phase of the Panchayat elections is scheduled for May 7 across 13 districts, with counting to take place on May 11.