Karbi Anglong (Assam), 29 March (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday took a dig at the Congress over the visit of its national president Mallikarjun Kharge to the state, questioning the party’s leadership choices and past positions ahead of the Assembly elections.

Participating in four Vijay Sankalp rallies across Bokajan, Diphu, Howraghat and Amri assembly constituencies in Karbi Anglong, the Chief Minister expressed confidence in a decisive BJP victory. He appeared upbeat over the turnout at the rallies and said public support indicates a clear mandate in favour of the party.

Speaking to the media, Sarma alleged that the Congress had made a strategic mistake by projecting Kharge as its key campaign face in Assam. He remarked that the decision could backfire on the party.

The Chief Minister further accused Kharge of previously opposing the conferment of the Bharat Ratna on cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika. He also claimed that Kharge had opposed the proposed semiconductor project in Assam, which the state government considers a major step towards industrial and technological growth.

Raising concerns over the Congress campaign strategy, Sarma questioned whether Kharge was the right choice as a star campaigner in the state. Meanwhile, Kharge is scheduled to release the Congress manifesto in Lakhimpur for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections on April 9, as part of the party’s intensified campaign efforts.------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash