Kochi: Women’s Safety Drive, Stone Pelting on Train, Drug Watch & More

Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Jan Ashirwad Yatra has concluded its first phase, covering 25 constituencies over eight days and drawing unprecedented public support. Cultural troupes performed traditional Bihu and tribal dances as the Chief Minister interacted with lakhs of people. BJP leaders Dilip Saikia, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, and Jayanta Malla Baruah accompanied Sarma. The state government announced Rs 3,600 crore in Orunodoi transfers to 40 lakh women beneficiaries. The Barak Valley and hill districts will be covered in the upcoming third phase. Assam’s 126-seat assembly is likely to go to polls in March-April, with the NDA alliance seeking to retain power.