Guwahati: With campaigning picking up pace ahead of the April 9 Assam Assembly elections, political parties have begun sharpening their welfare promises, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing free LPG cylinders for eligible families during Bihu and Durga Puja if the BJP returns to power.
Addressing a public meeting at Mahmora on Saturday, Sarma said the government has decided that eligible households would receive two free LPG cylinders annually, linked to the two major festivals. He said the move was intended to provide relief to families facing rising household expenses.
The announcement comes at a time when election discourse in the state is increasingly revolving around welfare schemes, employment assurances and cost-of-living concerns.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to counter opposition allegations regarding LPG supply issues. Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Asom Jatiya Parishad leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi, have been attempting to present a coordinated political challenge to the BJP. Political circles have begun referring to this grouping informally as the “three Gogois”.
Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in LPG distribution and accused the government of failing to check black-marketing. Officials, however, said oil marketing companies had conducted more than 2,000 inspections following complaints and issued show-cause notices to 18 distributors where irregularities were suspected.
Authorities said many complaints had surfaced through consumer grievances and social media inputs, prompting verification drives.
Supply concerns enter campaign narrative
Reports of inconsistent LPG availability have also affected small businesses in some areas, particularly eateries dependent on regular cylinder supplies. Some establishments were forced to temporarily scale down operations or shift to alternatives such as electric stoves, diesel-based cooking systems or traditional firewood.
Responding to the concerns, Sarma maintained that there was no shortage of fuel in the state and appealed to citizens not to panic or resort to unnecessary stocking.
He said petrol, diesel and LPG stocks remained adequate and the supply chain was functioning normally.
Jobs and youth support promises
Alongside the LPG announcement, the Chief Minister also outlined employment-related commitments. He said that if voted back to power, the government would work towards providing one lakh government jobs across sectors.
According to the plan outlined during the campaign, recruitment would include police personnel, teachers and various Grade III and Grade IV government posts. Opportunities in the health sector including doctors, nurses and pharmacists were also mentioned.
Sarma also announced a proposed financial support measure for graduates, stating that college pass-outs would receive a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for a year while they search for employment.
The proposal appears aimed at addressing youth unemployment concerns, which have remained a recurring electoral issue in Assam.
Welfare and education focus
The BJP campaign has also placed emphasis on continuation of existing welfare programmes. The Chief Minister said subsidised essential commodities such as rice, pulses, mustard oil, tea and salt would continue to be provided to eligible beneficiaries.
He further said that education support programmes would be expanded so that families do not face financial stress over schooling expenses.
The BJP leadership has also highlighted benefits extended to tea garden workers, including housing and land-related support under existing government schemes.
Electoral background
Assam is scheduled to vote in a single phase on April 9 for all 126 Assembly constituencies. The election is being seen as a significant test for the BJP-led NDA, which is seeking another term in the state.
The opposition, meanwhile, is attempting to consolidate its support base by highlighting governance issues and local concerns.
Political observers say welfare promises and employment assurances are likely to remain central themes in the final phase of campaigning as parties attempt to reach undecided voters.
With less than a week left for polling, campaign intensity is expected to increase further with more rallies and outreach programmes planned across the state.
