BJP promises to seal Indo-Bangla Assam border to check infiltration

Releasing the Vision Document for poll-bound Assam, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday promised to completely seal the Indo-Bangla border in the north-eastern state to stop infiltration if it comes to power and also take action against entities employing infiltrators.

Unveiling the ‘Assam Vision Document 2016-2025 – Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also accused Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi of destroying and changing the demography of the state by allowing infiltration. Assembly polls in Assam will be held in two phases on April 4 and 11.

BJP president Amit Shah while addressing two rallies at Sibsagar and Sonari said a party government in the state would take steps to stop illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, alleging Assam has never been safe under Congress’ 15-year rule.

“Assam’s border has been opened as a road for lakhs of infiltrators from Bangladesh to snatch away employment from Assam’s youth,” Shah said, as he urged the electorate to help form an NDA government in Assam and and stop infiltration “100 per cent”.

“Congress has been doing it(allowing infiltration) for many decades and took no action,” Jaitley said, adding that if BJP comes to power, it will work closely with the Centre for “complete sealing of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam”. The Vision Document said a law would be enacted to sternly deal with industries, businesses, SMEs or any other agencies employing infiltrators.

It further said all encroachments will be removed from forest, religious bodies, wasteland and tribal belts.

“We are clear in our mind that 2016 election is a historical chance to defeat and uproot the failed 15-year-old Congress government. That is why all anti-Congress social and political parties have united and are fighting together,” Jaitley said.

He exuded confidence that BJP-led alliance will not only win, but it will be a “landslide victory” in Assam. 

“The mood to change the ruler is consolidating day by day and a desire for a change is sweeping across the state. People of Assam are fed up with slogans and want growth on ground. The aspirational politics is visible among youth, who are our core strength,” Jaitley said.

The BJP document promised to construct model villages in collaboration with BSF, ex-servicemen and indigenous people along the border, besides securing the inter-state boundaries through amicable settlements with neighbouring states.

The state government will appoint a retired judge of the Gauhati High Court as Lokayukta and implement ‘zero tolerance’ policy against corruption. 

“A corruption free government is our topmost priority. A full fledged office of Lokayukta shall be established within the very first year. In each department, there will be a Director Vigilance, who will deal with the corruption issues,” BJP said in the document. 

Shah promised to take the state on the road to progress giving a corruption-free government. 

“Corruption is highest in Assam. No money is being spent for development of roads, electricity supply, building good hospitals. If you search, the money sent for development will be found in minister’s houses,” Shah alleged.