Nagaon: Candidates of the opposition alliance from seven Assembly constituencies of Nagaon district today inspected the strong room along with their agents, following all election rules and procedures. This step was taken to ensure that the responsible authorities remain neutral during the election process. After the inspection, this was stated by MP Rakibul Hussain at a press conference held at the District Congress office (Nagaon Strong Room Inspection).
Addressing the media, Hussain took a dig at Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, saying, “Although we belong to different sides, we still maintain good relations with some decent people within BJP. As some of them privately told us, whenever the Chief Minister appears on TV, they switch it off in front of their children because they fear the children may learn unruly language. No one wants their children to learn such things. His manner of speaking has become so undisciplined that it proves his throne is gone this time.”
Hussain further said, “Even during BJP’s peak popularity, the party’s condition in Nagaon district was not strong. This time people have voted silently. There is an undercurrent. Even those who had never voted for Congress in their lives have voted this time. They said they would remain with BJP, but to remove Himanta Biswa Sarma from power, they voted for Congress. He is now aware of this, which is why his tone has changed.”
Responding to a journalist’s question on whether there would be an alliance with AIUDF if the government is formed, MP Rakibul Hussain said, “Badruddin Ajmal lost the last Lok Sabha election by a margin of 10 lakh votes. People have rejected him. Personally, I do not want the opposition alliance to include AIUDF under any circumstances. Ajmal had already announced his complete renunciation from politics earlier. Now, at the call of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, he has returned to help him. Moreover, he has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s friend Asaduddin Owaisi for support.This reflects their alliance.”
Commenting on the Chief Minister’s attempt — through exit polls circulated by his loyalist media — to pressure government officials into believing BJP would form the government, Hussain said, “Since Congress is going to form the government, Himanta Biswa Sarma is frustrated. BJP leadership is also frustrated. That is why they are using words like ‘chiparang mara’ (stabbing in the back) and ‘gaddar’ (traitor) against each other. Do such words suit a party that claims to be disciplined?”
Meanwhile, Congress leader Mira Borthakur said, “Attempts will be made to demoralize our party workers and supporters ahead of the vote counting on May 4. So, do not believe exit polls. Some journalists have abandoned journalism and started protecting BJP. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has lost his composure. This time he will be removed from power. From the morning of May 4 until the counting ends and certificates are received, everyone must remain mentally strong and must not be disturbed by BJP’s conspiracies.”