With the Assam Assembly elections drawing closer, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the BJP will provide 1 litre of mustard oil to nearly 70 lakh ration-card holding families if it is voted back to power.
The announcement, made during ongoing campaign rallies across Assam, is being projected as an extension of the state’s existing welfare initiatives under the public distribution system (PDS). Currently, essential commodities such as rice, pulses, sugar, and salt are supplied at subsidised rates to eligible households.
Highlighting the intent behind the scheme, Sarma said the additional provision of mustard oil would help ease the financial burden on families, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The move is also seen as a targeted outreach to rural households and women voters, who are primarily responsible for managing household consumption.
The proposed scheme aligns with the government’s broader push to boost local agricultural production, especially through initiatives aimed at increasing mustard cultivation in the state. Officials suggest the plan could support both consumers and farmers amid rising edible oil prices.
However, the announcement has triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties. Leaders from the Indian National Congress have criticised the promise, calling it an “election gimmick” designed to influence voters ahead of polling. Concerns have also been raised in some quarters regarding the feasibility and implementation of the scheme.
The upcoming elections in Assam are expected to witness intense competition, with welfare promises and subsidy-driven schemes emerging as key campaign themes across party lines.
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