Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday cast his vote in the Assembly elections, expressing confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure a decisive mandate and return to power for a third consecutive term.
Sarma, accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and their children, exercised his franchise at the No. 15 Garal Buniyadi Lower Primary School in Jalukbari, the constituency he has represented since 2001.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the Kamakhya and Doul Gobinda temples before heading to the polling station.
“As a voter, I have performed my duty, and I urge all voters to perform their duty as well for the sake of continued development over the next five years,” Sarma told reporters after casting his vote.
He said he was confident that the electorate would back the ruling alliance. “People will give a decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA,” he said, while expressing optimism about voter turnout following early morning rains in several parts of the state.
“We have seen in past elections also that people of Assam come out in more numbers to vote than in many other states,” he added.
Also read: Brisk voter turnout in Assembly polls
The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third straight term in Assam, with Sarma leading the alliance in the state. He also expressed gratitude to the people for their support during his extensive campaign across Assam over the past few months.
While acknowledging that he could not devote much time to campaigning in his own constituency, Sarma said he would make up for it after the results. “I will work with double the vigour for my people,” he said.
Responding to allegations levelled by the Congress, including claims made by party leader Pawan Khera regarding his wife, Sarma dismissed them sharply. “Where is this Congress?... What party is this? I haven't heard of it,” he said.
On Khera’s accusations, he added, “Pawan Khera is a ‘bhagora’ (absconder). Why should I reply to him?”
When asked about his remarks during the campaign, Sarma said he did not require validation. He declined to engage further on political questions, citing Election Commission guidelines during polling hours.
“I don't want to break any rules and have FIRs registered against me unnecessarily. I will answer all questions after 5 pm,” he said.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly began at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm, with counting scheduled for May 4.
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