BJP Unveils Sankalp Patra for Silchar Civic Polls, Promises Focus on Drainage, Water, Roads and Civic Services

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (September 25) unveiled its election manifesto, or Sankalp Patra, for the upcoming Silchar Municipal Corporation election, outlining a roadmap focused on drainage, drinking water, roads, waste management, traffic, public amenities and digital civic services.

The Sankalp Patra was formally released by BJP Assam Pradesh president and MP Dilip Saikia at a programme held at Banga Bhavan in Silchar. Cachar district BJP president Rupam Saha, ministers Krishnendu Paul and Jayanta Malla Baruah, MLA Kaushik Rai and other party leaders and legislators from the Barak Valley were also present.

Addressing the media, Saikia said the Sankalp Patra lays out the BJP’s plan to make Silchar a developed, modern and safe city. He said the party’s priority was the progress and development of Silchar and that the document had been prepared based on what the party identified as the needs and aspirations of residents.

“People’s aspiration is BJP’s commitment,” Saikia said, adding that the party had identified issues such as waterlogging, drinking water, road expansion, facilities for aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, services for senior citizens and issues faced by women.

The BJP has proposed short-term pumping stations in areas affected by waterlogging during the monsoon. It has also proposed widening and deepening major drainage channels, including Rangirkhal, Bachaikhal, Longaikhal, Singirkhal and Town Khal, and connecting them with the Ghagra and Barak rivers for improved drainage.

On drinking water, the party has promised repairs and replacement of old pipelines and the construction or expansion of overhead tanks in different zones with the stated aim of providing 24×7 drinking water supply to households.

The Sankalp Patra also proposes 100 per cent door-to-door waste collection and segregation at source, zone-wise waste collection centres and faster processing of municipal waste at the Meherpur Waste Management Plant. The party has proposed using digital systems and QR codes to monitor waste disposal.

For roads and traffic, the BJP has proposed concrete roads and footpaths, additional streetlights, CCTV cameras, designated parking zones and e-rickshaw stands. It has also proposed multi-storey parking facilities, underpasses, bridges and common parking facilities to address congestion.

Saikia said traffic congestion was among the issues identified by the party and that efforts would be made to address it over time.

The manifesto includes several proposals for public health and sanitation, including modern public toilets, regular fogging and improved drain-cleaning systems. It also proposes “Pink Toilets” for women in commercial and public areas.

For traders and street vendors, the BJP has proposed designated vending zones, digital registration and identity cards, QR-code-based vendor services and access to government welfare schemes. It has also proposed the renovation of Goldighi Mall in consultation with traders and the modernisation of Fatak Bazar and New Market.

The party has proposed new parks, an ultra-modern town hall in New Silchar, modernisation of Gandhi Bhawan and the creation of an Ekadas Bhasha Shahid Museum and Art Gallery. An Ekadas Bhasha Shahid Udyan has also been proposed by incorporating Gandhi Bagh Park, Sanp-Nala and the Bipin Pal meeting venue grounds.

Other proposals include urban forestry and greening drives, walking zones for senior citizens, skill development and free NEET and JEE coaching centres, modernisation of the National Gymnasium and improved public facilities for senior citizens, women and persons with disabilities.

The BJP has also proposed a “Smart Silchar App” to bring services such as water supply, waste management, roads, streetlights, drainage, birth and death registration, property tax and complaint management onto a single digital platform.

According to the Sankalp Patra, a 24×7 helpline and integrated emergency response system would also be introduced, with civic complaints receiving tracking numbers and stipulated timelines for resolution.

The party has further proposed dividing the corporation area into four zones and setting up four Municipal Administrative Service Centres. Affordable electric bus services have also been included in the document.

Among other proposals, the BJP has promised to modernise the Silchar cremation ground, develop additional immersion ghats, upgrade existing ghats, construct six Chhath Puja ghats and implement the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for eligible SC, OBC and EWS families across municipal wards.

The party has also proposed night-time garbage clearance in busy commercial areas and the use of CCTV surveillance to identify potholes and damaged roads. It has proposed GPS-based tracking of door-to-door waste collection vehicles and Senior Citizen Service Centres.

Saikia said the BJP wanted Silchar to develop as a planned, clean and green city. He said the elected municipal body would work with the state government and elected representatives to strengthen the corporation and take forward the development plans.

The Silchar Municipal Corporation election is scheduled for October 3, 2026. The BJP’s Sankalp Patra, dated September 16, describes the proposals as its roadmap for the short-term and long-term development of the city.

The document was prepared by a committee headed by MP Kanad Purkayastha as convener, with MP Sushmita Dev, MLA Rajdeep Roy, MLA Rajdeep Goala, former MLAs Dipayan Chakraborty and Dilip Kumar Paul, Dr Chandan De and Bimalendu Roy as members.