Golaghat (Assam), 5 January (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday asserted that the state government will continue its drive against illegal encroachments, stating that more than 20 lakh bighas of land in Assam are currently under illegal occupation. He said all such encroached land would be freed as part of the government’s commitment to protect public and government property. CM was talking to media after a program in Sarupathar today.

Reacting to an exit poll conducted by People’s Pulse, the Chief Minister said the results being projected at present are only at a minimal and preliminary stage. He maintained that the BJP still has much more ground to cover and that the political picture would become clearer only by February. Sarma also clarified that seat-sharing discussions between the BJP and its ally AGP have not yet been finalised.

The Chief Minister said the BJP’s sole objective is to secure the blessings of the people and expressed confidence that, with public support, the party would form the government in Assam for a third consecutive term. He added that Assam does not accept politics based on identity or titles, but believes in the politics of development.

Taking a swipe at leaders Akhil Gogoi and Gaurav Gogoi, Sarma said they have failed to understand that such divisive politics does not work in Assam. He alleged that opposition leaders themselves make statements suggesting Assam could turn into “Nepal or Bangladesh,” and warned that voting for them would harm the state’s interests.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the newly constructed building of Borpothar Higher Secondary School at Sarupathar, reaffirming the government’s focus on strengthening educational infrastructure across the state.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash