Guwahati: Even as various exit polls have predicted that BJP-led coalition is most likely to form the next government in Assam dethroning the Congress, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi believes otherwise.
“Exit polls conducted after 2011 Assembly election too predicted an ouster of Congress from power in Assam, but we won in an overwhelming manner. This time also I believe that Congress will be able to form the government in Assam after poll results are out on May 19,” Gogoi said.
On the other hand the BJP’s chief minister candidate and Union minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sarbananda Sonowal said, “What the exit polls have predicted is a reflection of people of Assam’s yearning for an alternative to Congress and we the BJP is still sticking to our Mission 84 (winning 84 out of 126 Assembly seats in Assam).”
Sonowal on Tuesday yet again ruled out possibility of the BJP having any understanding /alliance with All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) led by Badaruddin Ajmal ‘under any circumstances’ for formation of the next government in Assam.
He said the BJP, if voted to power, would work as a team with all its pre-election allies out of respect for the people’s mandate.
AIUDF president Badaruddin Ajmal, meanwhile said that exit polls results would be proved wrong as he had tremendous faith in voters in Assam. He said AIUDF would perform much better than what exit polls had predicted.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made complete arrangement for the counting of votes for election to Assam Legislative Assembly, to be held on May 19 from 8 AM.
All necessary instructions have already been given to the District Election Officers and Superintendent of Police for ensuring smooth counting process.
There are 1064 candidates contesting from 126 assembly constituencies. Fifty-one counting centres have been set up in the State, consisting of 143 counting halls and 1771 counting tables. Nobody (except authorized person) shall be allowed to carry a mobile phone inside the counting hall.
Total 126 ECI observers will observe the counting process. Counting staff comprising 5313officials will be deployed in 51 counting centers. At each of the 1771 counting tables, one micro observer shall be deployed. Each candidate should be allowed to appoint as many counting agents as the number of counting tables and one more to watch the counting process at the Returning Officer’s table.
Entire counting process will be video graphed. A three tier Security arrangement has been made at each counting center. The innermost tier will be manned by the Central Armed Police Force. No victory procession will be allowed without prior permission of the concerned District Magistrate.
May 19 has been declared dry day in Assam.
