Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leveled allegations against the Congress, accusing the party of attempting to distort reservation policies to include Muslims. Sarma's claims came to light on May 7 where he referenced a statement made by former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.
In his statement, Sarma highlighted concerns about the Congress party's intentions regarding reservation policies. "We were alleging that Congress wants to distort reservation for the entry of Muslims. Today, Lalu Yadav's statement vindicated our apprehension," said Sarma.
Meanwhile , Himanta Biswa Sarma exuded confidence in the democratic process as he cast his vote in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the state. Speaking to the media after voting, Sarma expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the electoral exercise, highlighting a significant voter turnout across the state.
"Today is the last day of Assam election. We have completed peacefully. There was a very good turnout. Almost we have recorded 80 percent voting in the first two phases. Today as well, I'm sure of an 80 percent voting percentage," stated Sarma. "People of Assam will support a Bharat which will become a Vishwa Guru."
The three-phase elections in Assam have progressed smoothly, with voter participation reaching around 80 percent in the previous phases. Sarma anticipated a similar turnout in the final phase stating the enthusiasm of the people of Assam in exercising their democratic rights.
"Not a single incident of violence or election-related disturbances have been reported in Assam. The people of Assam have participated enthusiastically in the festival of democracy," Sarma said.
Looking beyond Assam, Sarma expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partners in the Northeast region. "Northeast BJP and its alliance will yield good results," he said, attributing the anticipated success to the developmental initiatives undertaken in the region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"In Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Northeast, all these states in eastern India, this time East India and Northeast India will play a historical role," Sarma predicted, suggesting a potential landslide victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The air and blessings are with Modi... People are blessings and the people of Assam are blessing Modi. This blessing will propel us forward," he said.