Guwahati, April 5: Baijayant Jay Panda, National Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, on April 4 said Assam is witnessing a “strong pro-incumbency atmosphere,” expressing confidence that the party will secure a third consecutive term in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Panda attributed the favourable public sentiment to what he described as marked improvements in development and law and order over the past decade. He claimed that before 2016, Assam had faced challenges related to militancy and underdevelopment, but had since undergone significant transformation.
Highlighting the Centre’s engagement with the state, Panda said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had frequently visited Assam, in contrast to earlier periods. He also pointed to infrastructure expansion, noting increased railway investments and a rise in the number of medical colleges.
Referring to internal security, Panda said peace accords and measures implemented under Union Home Minister Amit Shah had led to the surrender of thousands of militants, contributing to improved stability. He added that the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from large parts of the state reflected better law and order conditions.
Responding to opposition criticism over alleged neglect of Bodo and other tribal communities, Panda dismissed the claims and linked the success of the Bodo agreement to the stability achieved under the current administration.
On issues surrounding identity politics and the National Register of Citizens, he maintained that the process was being conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court and described it as a standard democratic exercise to identify citizens.
Assam will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9 across 126 constituencies, with results scheduled to be announced on May 4. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, which includes the Asom Gana Parishad and the Bodoland People’s Front, is seeking to retain power, while the Congress-led alliance is attempting a return amid an intensifying campaign.
