Guwahati | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday invoked the traditional theme of good triumphing over evil in his Bijoya Dashami message, saying that forces perceived as evil would eventually lose their influence. His remarks came amid a politically charged atmosphere in the state, although he did not name any individual or organisation.

“We have seen from the last few months how some evil forces were on the rise, they have so far lost their power as Bijoya Dashami approached. And we believe that always in society evil forces will lose and good power will rise. This is like from ancient times and will continue,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister’s comments added a political undertone to the festival marking the culmination of Durga Puja, when devotees across Assam prepared to bid farewell to Goddess Durga. His remarks came at a time when protests and demands for change have remained part of the state’s political discourse.

Sarma, who was expected to visit an immersion ghat in Guwahati during the day, said Bijoya Dashami represented the enduring victory of good over evil.

Meanwhile, authorities in Guwahati put in place extensive arrangements for the immersion of Durga idols at Lachit Ghat and Pandu Ghat. The administration scheduled the immersion process over Wednesday and Thursday to manage large crowds, facilitate the movement of processions and ensure safety at the designated sites.

Immersion activities were scheduled to begin at noon, with household idols expected to arrive early in the morning and larger idols from community puja committees likely to reach the ghats later in the day.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed personnel at key immersion points to assist with crowd management and emergency response.

An NDRF official said four teams, comprising around 30 personnel, had been deployed across Lachit Ghat, Pandu Ghat, Sankat Mochan Ghat and Palasbari, including nearby immersion sites. The teams were scheduled to remain on duty round the clock throughout the two-day immersion period.

Hydra cranes were also kept ready to handle large idols and facilitate their immersion safely.

In Jorhat, around 40 SDRF personnel were deployed across the ghats for the scheduled one-day immersion programme. Officials said the longer deployment in Guwahati was necessary because of the larger number of idols expected to be brought to the city’s immersion sites.

The two-day schedule is aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring the orderly movement of devotees and processions as the Durga Puja celebrations conclude. While Sarma’s message focused on the festival’s symbolism, the administration’s priority remained the safe conduct of immersion rituals across Guwahati and other parts of Assam.