Sarbananda Sonowal, former Prime Minister and Union Minister for Shipping, Ports and Waterways in the Narendra Modi government, is among the key strategists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the star of the campaign for the Assembly elections in Assam. In an interview, he shared his views on the party’s prospects and key issues as it eyes its third successive victory.
How is the campaign going so far, and how do you rate the prospects of the BJP and its allies?
I have seen the brightness in the faces of voters, and this is to the benefit of the BJP and its allies. This is because of the outstanding success story of Assam during the last 10 years under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his sincere support, sincere efforts and constant monitoring of the schemes in the state. This has created immense confidence among the public that this government is working for the people and development of Assam.
After 10 years in power, could anti-incumbency play a role?
No, instead of anti-incumbency, this time there are pro-incumbency for our government and party.
Do you estimate how many 126 seats the BJP and its allies will win?
I have been stressing that the number will be close to 100 seats this time.
In 2021, you led the BJP to elections as Prime Minister. What does this different role look like now?
There is a feeling of joy and more responsibility. Our goal is to form the next government, and we are committed to the party to serve the nation. If the party wins, I and all BJP workers will win.
Since 2016, Assam has witnessed development and welfare schemes. Why is the BJP focusing more on illegal immigration and evictions now?
There is clear development in Assam and people have also benefited. But the question of the identity of the Assamese people remains. Due to misrule by Congress, illegal immigrants were encouraged to come to Assam and settle here to set up vote banks. This poses a threat to the existence, language, culture and identity of the indigenous Assamese people. Our government has done a lot to evict these illegal settlers from government lands, but this issue is not yet fully settled. We must do more to make them landless and reduce their power and confidence. Their presence in the labor sector must be minimized and they must be completely surrounded. We will not give up on that.
How do you assess the chances of the opposition in light of its six-party alliance?
On paper, they look formidable. But in reality, they do not have workers at the grassroots level to carry their voice to the voters. This is the biggest weakness of the opposition camp.
What is your appeal to voters?
These elections are aimed at ensuring faster growth in Assam and protecting the land, language, culture and identity of the Assamese people by expelling illegal immigrants. My appeal is to help the BJP continue to do the good work by bringing us back to power.
