Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma talked about the BJP’s performance in the ongoing polls and the possibility of surpassing the 400-seat mark as the sixth phases of polls are over. He highlighted that the focus remains on delivering results rather than reiterating campaign slogans other than sharing his perspectives on the political scenario, governance priorities, and future prospects of Assam in a recent interview with Deccan Herald.
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He mentioned, “I think we crossed the majority mark by the fifth phase. Now it all depends on the sixth and seventh phases – how much lead will these two phases give us. I believe that the reference point of these election results will be 400; we could win 26 more than 400 or 26 less than it but the post-poll discussion will be around the 400 seats.”
Reacting to the claims made by Congress and INDIA bloc leaders that the BJP’s campaign tagline of Abki Baar, 400 Paar is now not heard, the Assam CM stated, “I believe the BJP need not reaffirm this every day – the slogan that we have coined is ‘Abki Baar, 400 Paar’. It has been spoken, and spoken loudly. Every morning we do not have to go out there and say that we will get 400. The media keeps asking us about that and we keep replying.”
Amid allegations labelled by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal against the BJP that it will put every Opposition leader in jail, Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. He asserted, “If they are mired in corruption. If any Opposition or even ruling party leader, sitting in the chief minister’s chair, indulges in corruption, he will surely land up in jail during PM Modi’s regime. That’s the line of governance of Narendra Modi. What he (Kejriwal) has claimed is correct, but it will be true if a leader is corrupt.”
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s possibility of deploying a star strategist for the Assam assembly elections and his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Assam, the BJP’s top leader remarked, “First of all, he has not faced anything in Assam, except when Rahul Gandhi said he will go through Guwahati.”
The Assam Government asked him not to go through the main roads because it will lead to traffic congestion. Rather, he was directed to go through Guwahati but via another road used even by eminent political leaders for day to day travel to ensure trouble free journey for normal commuters. It’s the only issue, mentioned CM Himanta adding, “Most of the deliberation played out in the media. On his yatra, he has not faced any trouble.”
“Second, I think Assam is an important State and Congress should deploy the best of the manpower in Assam elections because that will enhance Assam’s stature; I will be happy about that,” furthermore said the CM.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a debate, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, “I think he should not call the PM for a debate. He should join the debate once the Parliament is constituted, provided he wins. Our democracy is not an American type of democracy. Biden and Trump get an opportunity for debate only on the eve of the elections.”
He further elaborated, “Our democracy is a Parliamentary democracy where the leader of the Opposition, or any member of the Opposition, gets ample opportunity to debate with the government of the day. The question now is whether Rahul Gandhi will utilize that forum or not. If he does, he can surely debate with the PM. At least every year they get a no-confidence motion. He can involve the PM in a debate during every Motion of Thanks debate after a Presidential address. So, the ball is in Rahul Gandhi’s court – whether he will prefer to debate with the prime minister or go to a meditation centre.”
On the PM using emotive issues in his speeches this term unlike the previous ones, the Assam CM commented, “Elections are all about issues; we will raise the issues which we think are the most appropriate. So what issues will be raised, during an election, cannot be dictated by our opponent. It has to be decided by the party. We do not dictate to the Congress what issues they should raise or should not.”
He added, “Similarly, the Congress shouldn’t dictate what issues we raise; it is for the party leadership to decide. The PM and the BJP in their wisdom have decided to raise certain issues before the public which we feel are very important for the future of the country. Now for somebody, it may be emotive, and for somebody, these will be the most essential issues. On June 4, you will get the answer whether those issues were emotive or those were issues people have considered most decisive.”
Amid Assam demography report’s ill timing charges by the Oppositions, Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted, “Assam’s demography is changing fast and that has created a lot of insecurity among the original inhabitants of the State. That is a fact. Now, when will a report be published, how will it be done so – that’s for academicians and researchers to decide. But the hard fact remains that the people of Assam are facing a serious threat to their identity.”
With Tata’s recent investments in Assam’s semiconductor sector, CM Himanta expressed optimism about the region’s economic potential. He stated, “Tata’s investment in semiconductors is just the beginning. Going by the present law and order situation, the present governance index, the reforms we have initiated, and going by the Government of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, I think in the days to come, Assam will be one of the best investment destinations.”
Despite speculation about a potential role in the Modi Cabinet, CM Himanta reiterated his commitment to serving Assam’s interests. He asserted, “We have a lot of things to do in Assam, and I have been the chief minister for just three years. This is a premature question because I have a lot of things to do in my state, and I have huge commitments for the state, and at least sitting in this moment now, I do not see any role for myself in Delhi. However, in a party like BJP, nobody can decide about their future, it is up to the party leadership.”
