‘Give us one chance’: Himanta asks Dhing voters to ‘test’ BJP in Nagaon bypoll

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 29 appealed to voters in Dhing and adjoining areas to give the BJP an opportunity in the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, saying they could judge the party's performance before deciding whether to support it again in the future.

Addressing an election rally, Sarma said the BJP had governed Assam for the last 10 years and would continue in office for another five years.

Comparing eight Assembly constituencies in the Nagaon region, Sarma claimed that Dhing, Rupohihat, Samaguri and Lahorighat had seen less development compared with Raha, Jagiroad, Nagaon and Morigaon.

“This is an opportunity. I think people of Dhing, Rupohihat, Samaguri and Lahorighat will vote for us for development,” Sarma said.

The chief minister said the state government planned to undertake development works using a Rs 1.5 lakh crore fund and argued that voters could assess the BJP's performance before making a decision in the next election.

“Give us a chance. If we work for the people this time, vote for us the next time. If we don't work for Dhing, people of Dhing need not vote for us in 2031. Test us once,” he said.

Sarma also sought support from voters in the char areas, saying that if people from the char areas supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Modi would reciprocate by working for them.

“This is only a bypoll. The CM and PM will remain the same. Whether you vote or don't vote, there is no loss. Give us a chance,” Sarma said.

Sarma takes aim at Gaurav Gogoi, Congress

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, Sarma said he was prepared to induct Congress leaders into the BJP if Gogoi provided him with a list.

“Let Gogoi give me a list, I will bring all Congress people to BJP,” Sarma said.

He also claimed that Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora was eager to join the BJP, without providing evidence for the claim.

Sarma further said that the Congress could eventually be reduced to a party with only Gaurav Gogoi remaining at its helm.

“One day will come Congress will only have Gaurav Gogoi, no one behind him,” he said.

The remarks came amid the BJP's campaign for the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, where the party has fielded Debashish Sharma against Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora.