India, April 1 -- The rally marked the beginning of the BJP's campaign in Upper Assam, with party candidates and allies from Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, and Majuli districts in attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday kickstarted the BJP-led NDA's campaign for the Assam Assembly elections, announcing that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would be introduced in the state to safeguard the rights of Adivasis and protect the cultural heritage of Sixth Schedule areas.

Addressing a massive election rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji district, Modi said the proposed UCC would aim to preserve the traditions and land rights of indigenous communities while preventing encroachment on Adivasi, farmers', and forest lands by what he termed "foreign infiltrat...