Dhekiajuli (Assam), February 28 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the state BJP's 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' from Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district on Saturday, as the party seeks a third consecutive term in the upcoming Assembly elections.
He appealed to the people to support the BJP, so that the party can retain power and the journey of a developed and secure Assam can continue.
Accompanied by state party president Dilip Saikia, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita, and other top leaders, Sarma led the procession from the top of an open van.
People lined up on both sides of the roads, greeting the chief minister with traditional scarves and flowers, while the leaders waved to the cheering crowds.
In his address before launching the Yatra, Sarma said, "It was in 2014 when you all had placed your faith in Narendra Modi and elected him as the prime minister. In 2016, you (the public) installed the first BJP government in Assam, led by Sarbananda Sonowal.
"Again in 2021, you all voted for the BJP. During this entire period, we have tried our best to work for the people of the state, and the picture of development we see now reflects our dedicated efforts," he said.
While mistakes might have been made along the way, or certain things may not have gone as people wished, it was not due to any lack of effort, the CM asserted.
"And that is why we have a developed and secure Assam today. My appeal to all is to help the BJP retain power, so that we can continue to take the state forward," he added.
Earlier, the CM offered prayers at the Gupteswari temple here before commencing the Yatra.
Besides Dhekiajuli, the Yatra will cover the Assembly constituencies of Borsola, Tezpur, Naduar, and Rongapara on the first day.
State party president Saikia had earlier said that the Yatra will travel around 70-80 km daily, with an outreach target of nearly one lakh people per day.
The 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' has been organised with the objective of taking the party's vision, achievements, and organisational goals to the people ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections, he had said.
The first phase, which will conclude on March 9, will cover 34 Assembly constituencies across the state.
State Cabinet Minister Ashok Singhal had been assigned the responsibility of chief convenor, while Union Minister Margherita and other senior leaders had been named as co-convenors.
'Jan Ashirwad Sabhas' will be organised in constituencies where the Yatra will not pass through.
