Guwahati

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026, promising the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and enhanced financial support for women under key welfare schemes.

Unveiling the “Sankalp Patra” in Guwahati, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma outlined 31 commitments, saying the party aims to make Assam the “brightest state” and a key contributor to national growth.

A major highlight of the manifesto is the promise to implement a Uniform Civil Code, following similar moves in Uttarakhand and Gujarat. Sarma clarified that the proposed UCC would exclude areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and would not apply to tribal communities.

The BJP also pledged to take strong action against what it termed “love jihad” and announced a major push to tackle flooding, with an estimated ₹18,000 crore to be spent in the first two years toward making Assam flood-free.

On the welfare front, the party promised to increase financial assistance under the Orunodoi scheme from ₹1,250 to ₹3,000 per month for women. Additionally, it aims to support 40 lakh women under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, with financial assistance of ₹25,000 each.

Employment and infrastructure also feature prominently in the manifesto. The BJP has promised to create two lakh jobs over five years and expand higher education and healthcare infrastructure under a “One District, One Medical College, One University, One Engineering College” model.

Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Sarbananda Sonowal were present at the launch, along with state BJP president Dilip Saikia, who said the party’s vision is to build a “secure and developed Assam.”

Saikia added that the manifesto was shaped by public input, with over 2.45 lakh suggestions received from across the state.

Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress has also announced its key poll promises, including monthly cash transfers for women, ₹1,250 pensions for senior citizens, ₹25 lakh health insurance per family, land rights for indigenous people, and justice in specific cases.

Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

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The BJP, contesting as part of the NDA along with the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF), is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the Congress is seeking a return to power in what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.