The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Member of Parliament for Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Sarbananda Sonowal, was sworn in as ex-officio members of Digbai and Makum municipalities. He highlighted his comprehensive vision for the progress of the constituency, emphasizing its historical prosperity and economic significance due to resources like tea, coal, wood, and petroleum. Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal emphasized the historical neglect faced by Dibrugarh under successive Congress governments post-independence. He attributed the region's revitalization to proactive measures during the Vajpayee and Modi administrations, which improved rail, road, air, and water connectivity, fostering industrialization and youth employment. This, he noted, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inclusive development agenda of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. Shri Sonowal underlined the pivotal role of Digboi and Makum municipalities in driving infrastructure development, with Digboi Municipality gaining national acclaim and efforts underway to expand Digboi Refinery's capacity, Asia's oldest oil refinery. He critiqued the previous government for neglecting the refinery's capacity expansion, contrasting it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to increase capacity to 1 million tonnes from 0.69 million tonnes, recognizing its significance and heritage. Outlining a vision for inclusive development across various ethnic groups in Assam under the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, Shri Sonowal prioritized youth, women, farmers, and economically disadvantaged sectors. He emphasized empowering youth through technology, skill enhancement, and employment, describing them as the nation's strength.