Guwahati, 12 September (HS): BJP-led alliance candidate Devashish Sharma has claimed that the people of Nagaon are firmly in favour of development and asserted that the upcoming electoral contest in the constituency would be a one-sided battle. Taking a dig at Congress leader Rakibul Hussain, Sharma said his association with the people of the constituency was not recent and that he had been involved in the treatment and support of cancer patients for the past 22-25 years.

Sharma said he understands the aspirations and requirements of the people and has been closely associated with them for a long period. Recalling his earlier association with Hussain, he claimed that there was a time when Rakibul Hussain had proposed on the floor of the Assembly that Sharma be honoured with the Padmashri.

However, Sharma alleged that Hussain was now criticising him after he announced his decision to contest the election. Sharma's remarks came as the political battle for Nagaon intensified, with both sides seeking to consolidate support among voters.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash