Will BJP-AIUDF form next government in Assam?

Special Correspondent

SILCHAR, Sept 20: Many eyebrows might be raised on the question of the possibility of BJP-AIUDF forming next government at Dispur. But, politics, as we know, makes strange bed-fellows. BJP formed government with PDP of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed in Jammu and Kashmir and is running well. People of the state have accepted it not under compulsion, but for a change for better administration, rejecting Congress-tiol Conference combine.

 Though BJP has set Mission 84 for the Assembly elections of 2016, it does look like a tall claim and assessment. Since its debut in the elections in 1985, the party has not been able to win more than 10 seats in the house of 126. It however got a big boost up in the parliamentary elections of 2014 by winning 7 of the 14 seats. In fact, this was a great surprise for the poll watchers and alysts.

 The much talked about Himanta Biswa Sarma’s joining BJP, who is known as a wise and wily politician, the Central Government Notification on Hindu Bengali refugees have brightened the electoral prospect of the party. Himanta Biswa Sarma is no doubt a big catch and his organizatiol skill will play significant role in taking the saffron party on the pitch of winning the maximum number of seats. Workers and supporters in general are getting themselves set for the battle and consolidate the votes.

 Another number of Congress MLAs are waiting in the wings to join BJP. They are believed to be loyal to Sarma and sooner or later follow his suit. Apart from Hindu Bengalis and tea tribes, Assamese people as well as other linguistic groups and tribal communities are expected to rally round the party. Significantly, a large chunk of Muslim votes during the last parliamentary elections have gone in favour of the BJP.

 Another important factor to boost up the prospect of BJP is the rise in its Muslim members. This will no doubt help the leaders to woo their votes. In one year, state Minority Morcha president Sayed Mominul Awal claims to have enrolled 3 lakh Muslims. According to him, a blue-print has been worked out to reach out to the minority voters from October. Their votes will be crucial to ensure the next BJP Government in the state.

 The Minority Morcha has come out strongly in support of the Centre’s Notification on Hindu Bengali refugees for granting them shelter and citizenship. The arguments being advanced are that these refugees are the victims of partition done on the basis of religion. The persecuted refugees around the world are protected and given shelter. Moreover, Awal has dubbed the propaganda by Congress that Assam will have to bear the burden alone as mischievous.

 The Morcha has taken up strategy to campaign in minority domited areas with rendra Modi’s stress on development for all and exclusion of none in the first phase. After that, the Morcha will expose how the Muslims have been subjected to neglect and discrimition under the long spell of Congress in the state. It is true that AIUDF since its emergence in 2006 has cut into the vote-bank of Congress to become a strong political force in the state.

 What has further raised hope among BJP leaders and workers is the highest share of votes of 36.51% by the party in the parliamentary elections of 2014, pushing down Congress to 29.6%. AIUDF is the other party gaining 14.83% of votes while AGP has to content with 3.83%. The distinct swing of votes for BJP does indicate polarization of votes in which Hindu Assamese, Hindu Bengalis and tea tribes have much to contribute.

 A much more resurgent BJP leaders are confident of achieving Mission 84. In the event of short of majority, tie up with AIUDF cannot be ruled out. AIUDF supreme Badruddin Ajmal has rather adopted a wiser course to hit back at Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for making such projection. But, with rendra Modi being a driving force, Ajmal knows the better option for him will be to go with BJP which the pre poll surveys is going to form the next government in Bihar.