Guwahati, Apr 9: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cast his vote for the Assembly election on Thursday, asserting that people will give a decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA.
He was accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma and their two children, Nandil and Sukanya, as they exercised their franchise at No. 15 Garal Buniyadi Lower Primary School.
Sarma, who is leading the NDA in the state and seeking a third consecutive term, is contesting from Jalukbari, a seat he has represented since 2001.
Before voting, he offered prayers at several shrines, including the Kamakhya Temple.
“As a voter, I have performed my duty, and I urge all voters to perform their duty as well for the sake of continued development over the next five years,” Sarma told reporters after exercising his franchise.
He said people would give a “decisive mandate to the BJP-led NDA” and expressed hope for a good voter turnout, especially after the weather cleared following morning rains in many parts of the state.
Asked about Congress allegations against him and his wife, Sarma said, “Kahan hai yeh Congress? Kahan rehta hai? Yeh kya party hai? (Where is this Congress, where does it stay, what party is this?) I haven’t heard of it.”
On Congress leader Pawan Khera raising allegations regarding his wife’s multiple passports and foreign investments, the chief minister said, “Pawan Khera is a ‘bhagora’. Why should I reply to him?”
He declined to respond to further political questions, citing Election Commission guidelines.
“I don’t want to break any rules and have FIRs registered against me unnecessarily. I will answer all questions after 5 pm,” he said.
Polling for the 126-member Assam Assembly began at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm, while counting of votes will take place on May 4. (PTI)
