SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR: True to its electoral commitment of 2016, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurating the symbolic mini secretariat in the building of Silchar Municipal Board at Sadarghat by virtual meet on Friday watched by Minister, MPs and MLAs, officials, media persons as well as citizens, in fact, came as a shot in the arm for BJP poll campaign. Media persons, print and electronic, were invited at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner.
As scheduled earlier, the Chief Minister was to come to the valley on a two day programme packed visit to inaugurate the much hyped mini secretariat for Barak Valley, zoo at Dholai, a host of development projects in Sonai constituency and Karimganj. But the sudden announcement from the Election Commission of India to declare poll dates for the 5 states for Assembly elections by holding press-meet prompted the Chief Minister to cancel his Barak visit but made the mini secretariat functional by inaugurating it at 2 PM to be safe from ECI censor.
Ever since coming to power at Dispur, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been emphasising on removing the stigma of discrimination against Barak Valley by carrying out development works in both Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys. Moreover, for decentralisation of administration and bring Dispur closer to the people of the southernmost region of Assam, mini secretariat has been the dream idea of Sarbananda Sonowal government. This is today a dream come true and a promise fulfilled. This is no election stunt or gimmickry. There can be no divided opinion about the sincerity and seriousness of the Sonowal led government for the development of the valley.
Even the bitterest critics of BJP admit the surge of development works during the 5 year governance of the saffron party, totally different from the half hearted approach of the Congress regime. Further to give concrete shape to the mini secretariat, 10 acres of land at Sreekona near this town has been ceremonially set apart in the presence of the party MPs and MLAs. Notwithstanding certain grey areas, BJP has more positive things on development front to show off to win the support of voters who are discreet enough to understand the reality on the ground.
The three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi of the valley are to go to poll on April 1. Till the poll date, BJP has enough time to sharpen its edge against the adversaries, Congress and AIUDF, on the plank of development. So far, the war of words among the political parties have been more on attacks and counter attacks, far away from issues at stake. To say, it will be a cushion ride for BJP will be too far-fetched. It has several pitfalls and the opposition will definitely like to queer its pitch. The battle for 2021 polls will be interesting to watch.
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