The Assam Victory

WIPED out in Delhi and defeated in Bihar, the BJP has won a massive victory in Assam. Of the seats won by the BJP led alliance in the first two phases of polling, it took 73% and in the second phase 62% votes. Seven of the ten sitting MLAs who left the Congress, won on BJP tickets. One reason for the BJP victory may have been the split between the BJP and the RSS. The RSS did not like the BJP alliance with the AGP. It had seven independent candidates. It has been said that the Assam win may change the Sangh-BJP dynamics. The Congress tried to draw the BJP into external issues like the performance of the Central Government. But the BJP focused on development, Assamese identity and crackdown on illegal immigration. Complex opposition forces may have led to the fall of Tarun Gogoi. The decline of the Congress will however be associated with his efforts to promote his son, Gaurav. Another factor is the exit of Himanta Biswa Sarma. His alleged corruption and nexus with the Ulfa at one time has not undermined his position. Dependence on the Muslim vote went against the Congress. So did nepotism as proved by the daughter of the State Congress President. AIDUF lost as the Congress refused to form an alliance with it. It is good that the new government wants to seal the Indo-Bangla border. Now the BJP has to deliver to win the confidence of those who reposed their faith in it.