‘Arundhati’ Gold lollipop by Himanta Biswa Sarma before Lok Sabha elections

Guwahati, February 6, 2019:

What is largely being seen as an ‘election jhumla’ by people of the state, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Finance Minister, has dangled a lollipop of 1 ‘tola’ (11.66 gm) gold in front of the public to lure them into voting BJP again. As per the Minister’s new ‘Arundhati scheme, the Government has set aside Rs 300 crores to appease fathers who have to ‘gift’ gold jewelry to their daughters during weddings. The Minister made this announcement during Assam’s 2019 budget session at the Vidhan Sabha Assembly.

In his speech, Sarma said, “As a relief to the fathers who take loans to purchase gold during their daughter’s marriage, the government will grant them one tola gold, as there is a ritual of offering gold to the bride in Assamese society.”

He added, “Anyone whose annual income is below Rs. 5 lakh and has the same customs can apply under this scheme by registering themselves in the Special Marriage Scheme of 1994 (before or after their social marriage) irrespective of caste and creed. All the middle-class families will be benefited under this scheme.”