Guwahati, Mar 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma promised large-scale eviction drives on five lakh bighas (over 1.65 lakh acres) of encroached land if the BJP returns to power after the upcoming assembly elections.

During the second day of the BJP’s ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ in Jagiroad, Sarma received a dramatic ‘bulldozer salute’ from party workers perched atop 10 bulldozers, showering flower petals on his convoy. Accompanied by Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia, the yatra passed through Morigaon, Raha, Nagaon, and ended at Barhampur.”

Next time, five lakh bighas will be cleared of encroachments. This is the message we have given to the people. No Bangladeshi infiltrator will live in peace in Assam,” Sarma declared from atop his open SUV, flanked by the bulldozers.

He targeted alleged encroachers in forests, tribal belts, and blocks, vowing their removal if the BJP secures a third term. Sarma noted that the government has already freed 1.5 lakh bighas (over 49,500 acres) from encroachment in the past five years, as informed to the Assembly on February 19.Sarma highlighted public support during the yatra, with people thanking the BJP for jobs, land recovery, and action against illegal infiltrators. “I hadn’t thought that people would come out in such large numbers. This time, it is completely different,” he said, expressing confidence in a strong mandate.

The Assam Assembly polls, the first after the 2023 delimitation, are slated for March-April. The BJP currently holds 64 seats in the 126-member house, with allies AGP (9), UPPL (7), and BPF (3). Opposition includes Congress (26), AIUDF (15), CPI(M) (1), and one Independent.