In the month of June, under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Government launched a campaign to address encroachment issues and reclaim State-owned land from those occupying it illegally. Alongside the anti-encroachment drive, the Government has undertaken various bold steps like crackdown against child marriage & Love Jihad and the delimitation process. To discuss these matters, Ashok Singhal, a key figure in the Himanta Government and Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Irrigation, had a conversation with Organiser Special Correspondent Nishant Kumar Azad at his Guwahati residence. Here are the key excerpts from the interview:
This is the second term of BJP Government in Assam. What significant achievements have been attained over the past seven years?
Our primary and most noteworthy achievement lies in the increased trust that the general population places in the Government. Whenever commitments are made by the Government, they are consistently upheld or earnest efforts are made to fulfil them. During the last Assembly elections, our pledge to provide 100,000 Government jobs to the youth was met with skepticism by many, labelling it a mere political manoeuvre. However, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in less than two and a half years, nearly 100,000 youths have been appointed to Government positions. This achievement becomes feasible when the public has faith in you, enabling the realisation of promises that might initially seem unattainable.
Last year, the Chief Minister announced a plan to purchase one million metric tons of rice from farmers at a fair price—a goal that was once deemed unattainable. Nonetheless, we procured approximately 600,000 metric tons of rice last year, and the projection for this year exceeds one million metric tons. This accomplishment relies on open and transparent communication between leaders and the public, instilling trust in leadership, and fostering a perception that the leader’s actions exclusively serve the public interest. A significant triumph of our administration is the unswerving trust of the public. Numerous developmental projects are currently underway within the State.
“We have introduced a land reform programme called ‘Basundhara,’ which has successfully resolved more than 12 lakh land-related complaints. The strides our government has taken in land reform over the past two years surpass the efforts made in the 75 years since Independence”
We introduced an innovative land reform initiative named “Basundhara,” effectively resolving over 1.2 million land-related grievances. The Chief Minister introduced a groundbreaking concept that grants indigenous individuals residing on Govt land rightful ownership. This policy has notably benefited the indigenous population. I believe that our Government’s achievements in land reform over the past two years surpass the cumulative efforts made over the preceding 75 years of Independence. In the upcoming two years, land rights will extend to impoverished individuals, farmers, and indigenous groups across the State. Furthermore, the implementation rate of Government initiatives within our state is commendable. Whether it’s the “Jal Jeevan” project or the “PM Awas Yojna,” we constructed 1.3 million houses under the latter last year—a remarkable feat for a State with a population of approximately 33 million. Additionally, we are in the process of constructing an extra 126,000 houses under the “CM Awas Yojna.” Consequently, it won’t be long before every economically disadvantaged family in our State possesses a durable dwelling.
On one hand, your Government has introduced a land reform scheme, while on the other hand, the State is fighting with unlawful land occupation i.e. ‘land jihad’. How do you confront this challenge?
Certainly, challenges exist and will persist. However, under the astute leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, we have significantly curtailed the predicament of unlawful land occupation, with more proactive measures planned for the near future. Forests serve as critical habitats for wildlife, making their preservation imperative. If these habitats are destroyed, the question arises: Where will these animals find refuge? Hence, evictions become necessary in forested regions. In Assam, arbitrary actions are no longer viable. The presence of a robust government is evident, and our CM maintains a firm governing approach characterised by stringent rules and regulations. Love and compassion are extended when warranted, while firm enforcement of the law is ensured as circumstances demand.
In the next three years, what would be your priority?
Our works consistently adhere to set timelines, with our Government successfully concluding almost 95 per cent of projects within their designated time frames. Our foremost focus lies in fostering both a safe and developed Assam – a commitment we made upon assuming office. The CM has also introduced the concept of a self-reliant Assam, which will continue to be of utmost importance to us.
Delimitation is a big political issue in the State now. The process has been completed. The Opposition claims that it is an attempt to target minority-based constituencies. How will Assam and the people benefit from it?
See, delimitation is a routine procedure rooted in constitutional guidelines. Its primary objective isn’t necessarily centered on the people’s benefit; rather, it serves to equitably allocate the population across all constituencies. Disparities can emerge, with one Assembly constituency hosting around 1.10 lakh voters while another contains 3.5 lakh. Delimitation’s purpose is to ensure equal distribution of the population among all constituencies. Following delimitation, the uniformity of voter proportions will lead to balanced development across all constituencies.
But the Oppositions had knocked the door of the Supreme Court against the delimitation.
The main job of the Opposition lies in opposing our actions. Hence, they’re doing their job, and we are diligently pursuing our responsibilities.
Love Jihad is a major issue across the county. The Assam Government appears to be committed to address this problem earnestly. The Chief Minister has asked the police to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for effectively addressing this issue. What components might be included in the SoP?
Love Jihad cannot be controlled solely through the enactment of law; it requires society to comprehend the underlying challenge and the harmful mentality driving it. To counter this, civil society organisations and groups dedicated to elevating our nation’s pride must also concentrate on safeguarding our society from the ‘Cancer’ called Love Jihad. The influence of Western culture and the encouragement by Left liberals have damaged social values. Obscenity is increasing in the name of modernity. Until the time when there is no social boycott, you can’t end the Love Jihad by bringing new laws. The battle against Love Jihad must primarily be fought on a societal level. A social movement is necessary to put an end to Love Jihad. Our sisters and daughters must unite to counter Love Jihad. We’ve witnessed the gruesome fate that befalls victims of Love Jihad, even ending up dismembered and concealed in refrigerators. Failing to acknowledge this reality will lead to a sorrowful conclusion.
Each time your administration initiates measures against individuals engaged in Love Jihad, a portion of the population categorises it as actions against Muslims. This assertion is also levelled against your Government by a segment of the media.
If there is true love between Hindu and Muslim youth it is a different matter. However, assuming a false identity, using Raksha Sutra and tilak to appear Hindu, and then ensnaring Hindu girls is ethically incorrect. By the time the girl discovers the deception, which may involve the person already being married or following a different faith, the damage is already done. We stand in opposition to this form of deceitful love, and the Government will take appropriate measures to address this concern.
For the past three months, the State next to yours has been witnessing massive violence. What are your thoughts on the root causes of this turmoil and the entities responsible for orchestrating it?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has presented an extensive statement regarding the situation in Manipur during the parliamentary session. The Biren Singh Govt, in collaboration with the Union Govt’s guidance, is actively engaged in earnest efforts to reestablish peace and harmony in Manipur, and positive outcomes are anticipated in the near future.
But the Opposition is blaming both the Union and State Governments regarding the Manipur crisis.
See, if there would be a permanent solution to the Manipur crisis, it is possible only under the BJP Govt. The Congress party, on the other hand, seems inclined to perpetuate these issues. Throughout the Congress regime, the North East faced unresolved predicaments, with all accords formulated by their administrations proving ineffective. Their priorities lie not in solving the problems, rather safeguarding their political position and interests.
Do you believe that the turmoil in Manipur will have repercussions for the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA)?
It’s important to recognise that the establishment of NEDA alone did not bring peace to this region. It was when those who had resorted to armed means realised that the Prime Minister of our nation was receptive to their concerns and the Home Minister comprehended their challenges, actively seeking resolutions, that the path to peace in the North East emerged. This approach successfully led to the resolution of various issues including the Bodo conflict, Karbi insurgency, and Bru Riang dispute. Our administration’s efforts in resolving these longstanding issues, have been devoid of any political motives. Our sole objective is to reinstate serenity in the North East. With peace in place, development and employment opportunities can flourish, ultimately fostering progress and harmony in the region.
“Addressing the issue of ‘Love Jihad’ goes beyond enacting laws; it requires society to comprehend the underlying challenge and the evil mentality driving it. To counter this, civil society dedicated to elevating our nation’s pride must also concentrate on safeguarding our society from the ‘Cancer’ called Love Jihad”
Recently, in a crackdown against child marriage, the Assam Police arrested thousands of people. Ironically, your Government has faced massive protests against this move.
I advocate raising the minimum marriageable age for girls to 21 years. This adjustment would enable them to complete their education and pursue personal growth. Girls are not mere machines designed for childbearing; they possess inherent rights to education and independent living. What could possibly justify opposition to such a progressive measure?
The Government is soliciting public’s feedback regarding a prospective legislation aiming to prohibit polygamy, acknowledging that polygamy is practiced within Islam. Notably, we’ve witnessed violent protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and child marriage. In light of this, how does the Government plan to successfully enact the law to proscribe polygamy?
Our CM is very much capable. If he speaks about something, he has that mental capacity to implement it. Thus, if he affirms the State’s intention to outlaw polygamy, rest assured that the commitment will materialise under his leadership.
Floods in Assam is an annual affair, undeniably impeding developmental endeavours. Notably, Home Minister Amit Shah recently asserted the Government’s commitment to eliminating floods in Assam. What strategic measures are in place to realise this goal? Can it transcend mere verbal assurances?
It’s worth noting that the flood intensity this year has been lower than the previous year. Our Govt has undertaken the construction of numerous river embankments in Assam. While flooding is an inherent natural process, these embankments have been erected to manage its impact. Significant progress has been achieved in flood control, and the Govt’s ongoing efforts will continue to yield further advancements.
Over the past nine years, the Narendra Modi Government has made efforts to integrate the North East region into the national mainstream. What observable transformations have taken place?
A significant transformation is evident in the realm of mindset. Previously, individuals from the North East perceived Delhi as distant and unrelated to their concerns. However, under the guidance of PM Modi during the last nine years, the people of this region have come to regard the PM as their own, and his Govt as theirs. Notably, PM Modi has also demonstrated affection for the North East. As I’ve mentioned before, a foundation of trust between leaders and the public often leads to the automatic resolution of numerous challenges. This sentiment was particularly palpable during the Independence Day celebrations, wherein the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative resonated remarkably across the North East. Formerly, August 15 and January 26 were associated with boycotts and bandhs organised by insurgency groups in the region. Now, the tricolor is unfurled in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal, and throughout the North East on Independence Day and Republic Day. This transformation signifies that people have forged an identity with the national flag and the PM, marking a notable achievement for the BJP Government. n
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