Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Member of Parliament for the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, was sworn in as an ex-officio member of Digboi and Makum municipalities. Representing Dibrugarh in Parliament and actively contributing to its development, Sonowal outlined his comprehensive vision for the constituency's progress. He noted Dibrugarh's historical prosperity, highlighting its status as one of India's wealthiest districts even before independence, thanks to its abundant resources, including tea, coal, wood, and petroleum.

Sonowal emphasised the historical neglect faced by Dibrugarh under successive Congress governments post-independence. He credited the region's revitalization to proactive measures taken during the Vajpayee and Modi administrations, which led to significant advancements in rail, road, air, and water connectivity. This resurgence has spurred industrialization and youth employment in Dibrugarh, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inclusive development agenda of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

Sonowal highlighted that Digboi and Makum municipalities play a pivotal role in driving comprehensive infrastructure development in their areas. The government has prioritized enhancing these heritage zones, with Digboi Municipality earning national acclaim. Efforts are also underway to expand the capacity of Digboi Refinery, Asia's oldest oil refinery.

He criticised the previous government's lack of foresight and goodwill, which led to the neglect of the Digboi Refinery's capacity expansion. Sonowal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic initiative to increase the refinery's capacity from 0.69 million tons to 1 million tons, recognizing its significance and heritage.