The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, placing major emphasis on introducing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and strengthening socio-economic development in the state. The manifesto, titled ‘Sankalp Patra’, was released by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. It outlines 31 key promises that the party aims to fulfill if it secures a third consecutive term in power.

One of the central announcements in the manifesto is the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code within three months of forming the government. The party clarified that the UCC will not be implemented in areas under the Sixth Schedule and tribal regions to safeguard the rights and traditions of indigenous communities. Alongside this, the BJP has proposed bringing in stricter laws to curb what it describes as ‘Love Jihad’ and ‘Land Jihad’, reinforcing its commitment to preserving the cultural and social fabric of Assam.

The manifesto also highlights steps to protect the land and identity of the indigenous population. The party has pledged to enforce the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, more effectively. This will help speed up the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants. It further promises to “free every inch of land from encroachment by illegal immigrants and provide land rights to all genuine citizens of Assam” under the ‘Mission Basundhara’ initiative.

Religious and cultural preservation also finds a place in the party’s agenda. The BJP has assured that encroached lands belonging to Satras, Namghars, Devalayas, and other religious institutions will be cleared. These steps are presented as part of a broader effort to protect Assam’s heritage and spiritual institutions.

On the development front, the manifesto promises a massive investment of Rs 5 lakh crore to transform Assam into India’s Eastern Gateway. This will be supported by the Asom Gati Shakti Master Plan, which aims to ensure the timely execution of infrastructure and development projects. Additionally, the party has announced the launch of the ‘Badh Mukt Assam Mission’ with an investment of over Rs 18,000 crore to tackle the recurring issue of floods in the state.

Employment generation is another key focus area. The BJP has committed to providing two lakh government jobs while also promoting entrepreneurship through various schemes. In the education and healthcare sectors, the party has proposed a model of “One District, One Medical College, One University, One Engineering College” to expand access and improve quality.

The manifesto also includes several welfare measures aimed at empowering women and marginalised communities. The party has promised to increase the monthly financial assistance under the Orunodoi scheme to Rs 3,000 for women beneficiaries. It has also set a target of creating 40 lakh ‘lakhpati baideos’, a flagship initiative aimed at boosting the income of women, especially those linked with self-help groups.

Tea garden workers, a significant section of Assam’s workforce, have also been addressed in the manifesto. The BJP has pledged to increase their daily wages to Rs 500 over the next five years. It has also promised housing facilities for these workers, aiming to improve their living standards.

Speaking at the launch, Sitharaman said the manifesto was prepared on "a decade of transformation of the state, which the Congress could not achieve in 60 years". The statement reflects the party’s attempt to highlight its governance record while drawing comparisons with previous regimes.

Elections for the 126-member Assam Assembly are scheduled to take place on April 9, with the counting of votes set for May 4. The manifesto positions the BJP’s vision as a mix of cultural protection, economic growth, and welfare-driven governance, as it seeks another term in the state.