Guwahati: In a significant announcement ahead of the Assembly elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the BJP-led NDA government will provide two free LPG cylinders annually to families if it returns to power.

The announcement has drawn attention as it comes during an ongoing LPG supply crunch linked to the conflict in Iran and the wider West Asia region.

Free cylinders linked to festive seasons

Speaking at an election rally on Saturday, Sarma said that the proposed benefit would be provided around major festivals.

“The government will provide two LPG cylinders free of cost to the people. One before Bihu and another before Durga Puja. You won’t need to pay for this, ‘Mama’ will pay. Will this not be good?” he said, referring to himself by the nickname he is popularly known by.

The move is being seen as part of a broader push to attract voters ahead of polling.

Polling schedule announced

Assam is set to go to the polls on April 9, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

With campaigning intensifying, political parties have been making key promises to sway voters in the run-up to the elections.

Meanwhile, authorities have taken strict action against irregularities in LPG distribution. Five LPG distributors in the state have been suspended with immediate effect for failing to comply with newly introduced Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Centre.

In an official statement, the Chief Secretary said that in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia, close monitoring of LPG supply is being carried out across Assam at both state and district levels. This is being done in coordination with Oil Marketing Companies as part of an action plan drawn up by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The statement added that certain lapses related to distribution practices and adherence to norms had been detected during inspections.

Government assures adequate supply

Despite the enforcement actions and concerns over supply disruptions, the state government has maintained that there is no shortage of LPG for domestic consumers. Officials said that sufficient stock is available and that households continue to receive full allocation.

With agency inputs