GUWAHATI / AMN
In a rare show of political strength in North east, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set wrest power from congress in Assam. It has crossed the half-way mark as counting trends became available from almost all the 126 constituencies.
The BJP and its allies were ahead in 64 constituencies. The ruling Congress was leading in 27 seats and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in 16.
Most exit polls had predicted a BJP victory in Assam, where the Congress has been in power for the last 15 years.
BJP chief ministerial candidate in Assam Sarbananda Sonowal today said that dealing with “infiltration” and sealing the India-Bangladesh border would be a priority, as the party appeared poised to form its maiden government in the northeastern state.
“Issues like infiltration, sealing of the Indo-Bangla border, problems of small tea growers, unemployment — are the major challenges. We will work together (with allies) to resolve these issues,” Sonowal said.
Asked about the issue of migration from Bangladesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said: “We will seal the border to stop infiltration.”
He also said that a list will be prepared with names of “bonafide” Indian citizens.
“The main target is to protect the interest of bonafide citizens, whether Hindu or Muslim,” he said.
Talking about the imminent victory of the BJP, Sonowal said: “People of Assam were fed up with Congress. They wanted good governance and that is why they voted for BJP and the alliance.”
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