Himanta’s Warning: Welfare Schemes at Stake in 2026
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sharpened his pitch for the 2026 state elections by framing BJP-led welfare schemes as critical lifelines for families. At a Nalbari rally, Sarma’s remark—“Imagine if one day it suddenly stops”—positioned the BJP as the sole guarantor of financial aid, subtly linking continuity of benefits to electoral outcomes.
Orunodoi 2.0: ₹1,250 Monthly for 27 Lakh Households
The flagship Orunodoi scheme, providing ₹1,250 monthly to women-led families, is set to expand under “Orunodoi 2.0,” targeting 10 lakh additional households by 2026. Sarma’s messaging is clear: “This isn’t charity—it’s your right under our governance.”
A 2023 ThinkNext Foundation study found 68% of recipients use funds for medicines and nutrition—a key factor in Assam, where 32% live below the poverty line. Critics dismiss it as “freebies,” but data underscores its impact.
BJP’s Welfare Playbook: Pensions, Gold, and Healthcare
Beyond Orunodoi, Sarma’s government has rolled out:
– Widow pensions ↑ (₹250 to ₹1,000/month).
– Arundhati Gold: 10 grams for brides from low-income families.
– Ayushman Bharat expansion to cover street vendors and auto drivers.
“This is precision targeting,” says analyst Dr. Pranjal Sharma. “Each scheme locks in a voter segment—women, widows, youth.”
Opposition’s Counter: Debt and Sustainability
Rivals like Congress and AIUDF label the schemes “debt-driven doles,” citing Assam’s ₹1.2 lakh crore debt by 2025. Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia argues, “Himanta is mortgaging Assam’s future.” AIUDF promises to match BJP’s pledges if elected.
2026 Strategy: Fear and Performance
With BJP holding 75/126 seats, Sarma’s “suddenly stops” rhetoric mirrors Modi’s 2014 “Congress will snatch subsidies” campaign. Internal surveys suggest Orunodoi beneficiaries are 22% more likely to vote BJP.
Challenges: Delays and Corruption
Gaps remain. In Kokrajhar, beneficiary Maya Boro reports 2-3 month delays. Corruption in enrollment persists, though Sarma vows “zero tolerance.”
Verdict: Welfare as the Battlefront
As 2026 nears, Assam’s polls will hinge on welfare delivery. Sarma’s warning amplifies the stakes: for struggling families, cash in hand may decide votes.
—Reporting by NextMinuteNews Assam Bureau
