Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, June 18, 2026, shared highlights from the previous day's activities in the state, framing them under the Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi governance philosophy championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — marking 12 years of the dual-track approach that pairs economic development with cultural heritage preservation.

Context

In his post on X, CM Sarma invoked the concept of Aai Asomi (Mother Assam), signalling the state government's commitment to serving the people of Assam through both infrastructure advancement and the safeguarding of indigenous traditions. The hashtag #12YearsOfVikasBhiVirasatBhi anchors the post to a broader national milestone being observed across BJP-governed states.

The phrase Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi — roughly translated as 'Development too, Heritage too' — was first articulated by Prime Minister Modi during the 2014 general election campaign and has since served as a guiding principle for central and state-level governance.

Policy Backdrop

Over the past 12 years, the Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi framework has been applied across BJP-led governments to justify simultaneous investment in roads, connectivity, and economic zones alongside restoration of temples, cultural sites, and indigenous festivals. In Assam and other North-Eastern states, this approach has carried particular weight given the region's distinct linguistic, ethnic, and cultural identities.

As convenor of the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), CM Sarma has been a key architect of aligning North-Eastern state governments with this central vision. NEDA currently encompasses multiple North-Eastern states and has used the dual-development framework as a unifying political and administrative message across the region.

Stakeholders and Impact

The primary beneficiaries cited in the state government's framing are Assam's residents, with particular emphasis on indigenous communities whose cultural heritage the policy claims to protect. Development projects in the state have ranged from road and rail connectivity in remote districts to preservation of satras (Vaishnavite monasteries) and other heritage sites.

Critics and civil society observers in the region have at times questioned whether the heritage component adequately reflects the diversity of Assam's many ethnic groups, or whether it disproportionately centres specific cultural traditions. The state government's position, as reflected in CM Sarma's consistent messaging, is that both tracks are pursued in tandem and with equal priority.

What's Next

The 12-year milestone of the Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi approach is likely to prompt a series of state-level events and announcements across BJP-governed states in the coming weeks. For Assam specifically, attention will turn to the rollout of heritage-linked infrastructure projects and any formal commemorative events that CM Sarma's government may organise to mark the occasion. The broader political messaging signals that Assam's administration intends to keep this dual framework at the centre of its public communication ahead of future electoral cycles.