GUWAHATI: Assam's Minister Pijush Hazarika has suggested that the Congress party will likely win only one out of 14 seats in the upcoming 2024 general elections. He also asserted that divisions have become apparent within the opposition bloc, especially after the Congress publicly announced its probable list of candidates for 14 Lok Sabha constituencies.
In an interview with a news agency on Saturday, Hazarika noted that "cracks have widened in the opposition alliance" since the Congress revealed its list of potential candidates. The Assam Jatiya Parishad, a constituent of the opposition bloc in the state, has demanded at least five seats, and Akhil Gogoi from Raijor Dal has been advocating for the Jorhat seat.
Hazarika further commented on the grim situation of the Congress in Assam, suggesting that the state's ruling BJP is poised to win at least 11 or 12 Lok Sabha seats in next year's elections. He stated that "Congress has already lost its voter base" and that the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) will likely win one seat, with the BJP candidates emerging victorious in the remaining seats.
In the previous Lok Sabha polls, three Congress candidates secured victories in Assam. However, changes resulting from the delimitation exercise have shifted the dynamics of these constituencies. The BJP believes that they can easily secure the new Kaziranga Lok Sabha seat.
Nagaon, a BJP stronghold for the last two decades, may see internal party disputes affecting their chances, as infighting continues among party leaders.
Meanwhile, Barpeta, a constituency dominated by Muslim votes, will likely see a triangular contest, favoring the BJP if the competition intensifies.
Earlier, the minister also stated that the amount for Orunudoi beneficiaries would be hiked to Rs 1400 per month. At a function held at Police Parade ground, Hazarika handed over Orunudoi cards to 35 thousand 44 beneficiaries. Rs 1250 would be directly credited to all the beneficiaries from November 10 onwards, Hazarika said. He said the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma fulfilled all his promises he had made during the poll. He said, the Orunudoi scheme had gained remarkable success statewide. The scheme, inaugurated on December 14, 2022, is the largest DBT scheme in the history of Assam, maintaining this the Minister said, the Orunudoi 2.0 was created to cover 26 lakh beneficiaries who are currently receiving the revised amount of Rs 1259 every month. All the beneficiaries would soon receive their cards which would be the harbinger of a bright future and financial security for them, Hazarika further added.
Also Watch: