Guwahati, March 23 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma began the second phase of the ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ from his assembly constituency, Jalukbari, on Monday.
People came out in large numbers, braving the heavy rain, to join the rally, which started from Atal Udyan Park in the western part of Guwahati and passed through Adabari Tinali, Pandu Port Road, Pandu Barabazar, Maligaon Chariali, Railway Hospital, and Gotanagar Basanti Puja Mandap.
Sarma was seen atop a vehicle, interacting with people as crowds gathered around him.
He also declined an umbrella offered by a supporter and continued to greet people in the rain.
The four-day yatra will cover Sorbhog-Bhabanipur on March 24, Hojai, Lumding, and Nagaon on March 25, and Golakganj, Abhayapuri, Barpeta, and Bajali on March 26.
The ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ is aimed at taking the party's vision, achievements, and organizational goals to the people ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
The first phase of the yatra concluded on March 9, covering 34 Assembly constituencies across the state.
Sarma began the yatra on February 28 from Dhekiajuli in Sonitpur district, ahead of the polls, as the BJP aims for a third consecutive term in power.
He had earlier said that campaigning in the state would begin on March 24, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other national leaders expected to campaign from March 28.
The filing of nomination papers ended on Monday; documents will be scrutinized tomorrow, and the last date for withdrawal is March 26.
Elections to the 126-member assembly will be held on April 9, and votes will be counted on May 4.
