In a show of strength, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today took out a massive rally to file his nomination papers to contest the Assembly elections from the Jalukbari constituency in Guwahati. The procession started from the Veterinary College ground at Khanapara and passed through the GS Road before culminating at the Kamrup (Metro) District Commissioner’s office, where Sarma submitted his nomination papers at around 12:30 pm. He was accompanied by his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, son Nandil Sarma, Guwahati MP Bijulee Kalita Medhi, and Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania.
Before setting off to file his nomination, Sarma took the blessings of his mother Mrinalini Devi.
A sea of jubilant supporters joined Sarma’s nomination rally, many of them dancing and singing all the way. Rallyists were also seen carrying huge cutouts of lotuses—BJP’s election symbol—and caricatures of Sarma in the Superman outfit. After filing his nomination, Sarma exuded confidence that he will win from Jalukbari again and the BJP will return to power in the state. “I have been representing the Jalukbari seat since 2001, and I am sure that this time too I’ll get the support of the people,” he said.
“The BJP will form a government in Assam for the third consecutive time as we have people’s blessings with us,” Sarma said.
He said that after March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four poll rallies and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address 6-8 rallies.
He said that some of the party leaders might have been miffed at not getting a nomination, but he will personally talk to them and persuade them to extend support to the party candidates.