GUWAHATI, February 28, 2026 : In a major political outreach program ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flagged off the ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ (People’s Blessing Rally) on Saturday. The mass outreach campaign aims to connect with voters across 50 Assembly constituencies in the central and eastern parts of the state, combining a report card of governance with grassroots engagement.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the first phase of the yatra from the historic Gupteshwar Temple in Dhekiajuli. In a candid admission during his launch speech, Sarma struck a chord of humility, stating that the yatra is not just to showcase achievements but to seek forgiveness for unfinished tasks.

“We will go to the people and speak about the work we have done, but we will also listen to them. There are some works we could not complete in the last five years, and for that, I will apologize to the people,” said Chief Minister Sarma. He emphasized that the Jan Ashirwad Yatra is intended to seek another mandate from the public to continue the development trajectory of the state.

The yatra, which will run until March 9 in its first leg, is designed to be a comprehensive platform for direct voter engagement. According to BJP leaders, the initiative aims to highlight the government’s achievements in key sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, and social welfare schemes.

Simultaneously, the party leadership is focusing on core issues that resonate with the Assamese identity. Sarma noted that discussions during the roadshows and public meetings will also touch upon Assam’s cultural identity and demographic balance, aiming to consolidate the party’s core voter base while expanding its reach.

To ensure the campaign captures the attention of the tech-savvy younger demographic, the BJP has planned a dedicated social media initiative titled “Reel on Development.” This digital push is designed to attract young voters by visually showcasing the state’s progress under the double-engine government.

The yatra schedule has been strategically planned to respect local cultural sentiments and government commitments. The outreach program will be paused on March 3 and 4 in observance of the Doul Utsav festival. It will halt again from March 10 to March 15 due to key government programmes, including the disbursement of funds under the popular Orunodoi scheme.

The campaign is expected to resume in mid-March, covering over 400 kilometers across crucial assembly segments. The BJP has set an ambitious target to connect with approximately 100,000 people daily through a mix of public meetings, roadshows, and community-level interactions.

Adding to the political momentum, the state is bracing for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose presence is expected to galvanize party workers and voters alike. Additionally, a BJP youth conference is scheduled to be held in Guwahati, aimed at channeling the energy of young leaders and first-time voters.

As the political temperature rises in the state, the Jan Ashirwad Yatra serves as the BJP’s flagship initiative to establish direct contact with the masses. By combining an apology for shortcomings with a robust showcase of development, the party aims to present a balanced narrative to the electorate, reinforcing the message of the developmental and welfare initiatives of both the Union and state governments.

With the election season heating up, all eyes will be on how the electorate responds to the BJP’s blend of governance, cultural dialogue, and digital engagement over the coming weeks.