Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who has led the Congress to victories in all elections in the state since 2001, on Thursday exuded confidence that the party will perform even better than previous years in the ensuing Panchayat polls.
Addressing a press conference here in his capacity as the state Congress legislative party chief, Mr Gogoi said, ‘As per my calculations so far, the Congress will perform even better than last time in the Panchayat election.’
He claimed the Congress’ good work at the Centre as well as the state has helped revive the rural economy of the state and it would translate into votes for the ruling party.
Gogoi reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment for real decentralisation of power and said Panchayat elections were the right step towards that direction.
He also criticised the Opposition parties, alleging that they had failed to vent people’s aspirations.
“The Asom Gana Parishad did not hold Panchayat polls during their tenure and the BJP, which was in power in the Centre then, also failed to take up the case,” he said.
The Pancahayat elections will be held across the state, barring the Sixth Schedule areas, in three phases on January 30, February 6 and February 12.
Approximately 1,27,56804 voters will exercise their franchise across 26,844 constituencies, out of which 420 are Zila Parishad constituencies, 2202 are Anchalik Panchayat constituencies, 2202 are Gaon Panchayat president constituencies and 22020 are ward member constituencies. The counting will be held on Feb14 and 15. (UNI)
