In an obvious attempt to convert anti-incumbency against the 15-year-old Congress government into advantage, the Opposition BJP has intensified electioneering in southern Assam’s Barrak Valley
Though the BJP old guard in Assam are yet to overcome the annoyance of giving up seats in alliance, Assam BJP election campaign committee convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma seems to have decided to take the bull by the horns.
“If the BJP is voted to power, I will ensure that a state secretariat is also set up in Barrak Valley so that you need not to go to Guwahati for every work,” said Mr Sarma, who was welcomed by thunderous applause from a huge crowd in Karimganj. He reminded the crowd that it remained an electoral promise despite the Congress getting three consecutive terms to rule the state. Knowing that Assam has an acute drinking water crisis, Mr Sarma in his second election rally raked up the issue. He referred to the example of Gujarat.
“Assam is reeling under the perennial problem of drinking water despite having a huge treasure of water,” said Mr Sarma, pointing out, “If we are voted to power, you will get drinking water on the pattern of Gujarat. The BJP-ruled states are prospering all over the country.”
Mr Sarma in his public meetings also accused the Congress of depending on the votes of migrants (those who came from Bangladesh).
