CM Sarma attends 24th Bodoland Day, Announces Rs. 1,000-Crore Package for BTC
By Kishore Sarkar
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 10: Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today attended the central programme of the 24th Bodoland Day at Green Park in Kokrajhar, organised by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
Extending greetings to the people of BTR, the Chief Minister paid tributes to Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma and Bodofa Upendranath Brahma, the chief architects of the Bodo movement. He recalled the signing of the historic BTC Accord on February 10, 2003, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Union Home Minister L.K. Advani, which led to the creation of BTC comprising Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri districts.
Highlighting the transformation brought about by the accord, Dr. Sarma mentioned the establishment of Bodoland University, Central Institute of Technology and Kokrajhar Medical College. He further said that the Bodo Peace Accord of 2020 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah accelerated development, resulting in the creation of Tamulpur district and completion of Kokrajhar Medical College.
Referring to recent incidents in Kokrajhar he lauded the people of BTR for maintaining peace through dialogue and thanked Hagrama Mohilary for his leadership in restoring normalcy.
Announcing a slew of development measures, Dr. Sarma declared a special grant of Rs. 1,000 crore over the next 2-3 years for construction of roads and bridges in BTR. He also announced financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to 15,000 youths to promote self-employment without requiring bank guarantees or collateral.
He emphasised the cultural pride of Assam, noting that the Bagurumba dance performed by 10,000 dancers in Guwahati was praised by the Prime Minister and viewed worldwide. He informed that preparations are underway to showcase Bihu, Jhumoir and Bagurumba together in New Delhi.
Dr. Sarma further announced that a Bodoland Guest House would be constructed in Chennai to assist patients from BTR seeking advanced medical treatment. He said that the Government remains committed to unity, cultural pride and sustainable development and added that a grand event will be organised next year to mark the Silver Jubilee of the BTC Accord with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance.
Later talking to media, Sarma reiterated his claim regarding Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, stating, “Gaurav Gogoi’s wife is foreigner, and I have proved it. When I said she was foreigner, Gogoi responded with a poem and a Bihu photograph of his wife. Till today, I have never spoken a lie in politics.” he said.
The Chief Minister further alleged that Gogoi himself admitted to visiting Rawalpindi without a visa, which, he said, “has made the matter worse.” Sarma added, “Had I not been challenged, I would not have gone so deep into the issue. Now the rest is the responsibility of the Central Government. Gogoi must answer for his own statements.”
Sarma emphasized that the elections should be contested in harmony, noting that Congress would be on one side while other parties would form the opposite bloc. “We are exploring the possibility of contesting together with the BPF so that elections can be fought in a spirit of unity,” he said.
The Chief Minister also touched upon ongoing updates in the SR highlighting that names of deceased persons are being removed, changes are being made after marriage and relocation and eligible new names are being included.
It may be mentioned here that the day’s programme commenced at 8 a.m. at the BTC Secretariat premises with floral tributes to Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. BTC Chief and BPF supremo Hagrama Mohilary offered garlands and paid homage to the Bodofa statue. Later, Mohilary visited the Boroland Martyrs’ Cemetery at Debargaon to pay respects at the memorial site.
On the occasion, the BPF formally launched the implementation of its “five guarantees” promised before the elections. These include distribution of land pattas, financial assistance to youth, the poor, self-help groups, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Hagrama announced that the guarantees would be implemented before the issuance of the election notification. Some awards were also distributed on the occasion.
Mohilary also conveyed best wishes to students appearing for the matriculation and higher secondary examinations. He also laid the foundation stone of BPFs central office at J D Road in Kokrajhar this morning.
Todays program was attended by Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, former Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, former BTC Deputy Chief Khampa Borgoyary, MLAs Lawrence Islary and Jiran Basumatary, Bodo Sahitya Sabha President Surat Narzary and other dignitaries.