Nagaon (Assam), 08 October (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday predicted that the Congress would finish third in the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, even before the counting of votes scheduled for October 9.

Sarma said that a victory for the BJP in Nagaon would be an additional “bonus” for the party. His remarks came while he was addressing programmes in the district ahead of the bypoll results.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the first ceramic tiles manufacturing unit in the Northeast at Dighali Chapori. He said the area, which had earlier been recovered from encroachment by “unknown people”, would be developed into an industrial hub.

Speaking at Tyagbir Hem Barua College, Sarma also highlighted the importance of the environment in shaping a person’s aspirations. He said the ability to dream is often influenced by the circumstances and environment in which people grow up.

The Chief Minister narrated the inspiring journey of a group of young women from Assam who travelled to Tamil Nadu for specialised training related to the state’s emerging semiconductor sector. He said their experience demonstrated how opportunities and exposure could broaden the aspirations of young people.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash