Despite the rain, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spearheaded a vibrant roadshow in Silchar, the pivotal town of Assam’s Barak Valley adjacent to Bangladesh, in support of BJP candidate Parimal Suklabaidya. Joined by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Shah stood atop an adorned vehicle featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image at the front.
The 2-kilometer procession commenced at the District Sports Association point downtown at 5 pm, traversing Central Road, Premtala, Ambikapatty, and Hospital Road before concluding at Radhamadhav Road. Shah, amidst the downpour, graciously showered flower petals on the bystanders lining both sides of the route, acknowledging their resilience.
He enthusiastically greeted the spirited crowd along the way, including those perched atop rooftops, with folded hands. “Amidst a sea of supporters in the Silchar Roadshow,” Shah expressed on ‘X’.
Throughout the procession, cultural troupes comprising Dhamail, Bihu, and Manipuri dancers showcased their talents. Supporters, waving BJP flags, fervently chanted slogans such as “Modi-Shah Zindabad”, “BJP Zindabad”, “Bharat Mata ki Jai”, and “Jai Shri Ram”.
The 50-minute spectacle brought traffic to a standstill, with thoroughfares leading into the town blocked. Silchar seat has been designated as a Scheduled Caste (SC) constituency following a recent delimitation exercise.
Suklabaidya, Assam’s Minister for Excise, Transport, and Fisheries, faces a triangular contest against Congress nominee Surya Kanta Sarkar and TMC’s Radheyshyam Biswas. The polling for the constituency is scheduled for the second phase on April 26.
