Assam CM says amid Tripura polls BJP’s key plan is development

Agartala: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who supported his Tripura counterpart Dr Manik Saha by filing his nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls on Monday, said the Congress-CPIM seat split has been ruled by declared an irrelevant political factor for BJP.

He said, “Congress is zero in the entire country. CPIM is zero all over the world. So, if two zeros come together, can they differentiate? We are not really concerned about what the Left and Congress do in terms of seat sharing or alliances.
The Assam chief minister, however, conceded that Tipra Motha may be a factor under royalist Pradyot Kishore Debbarman but the party may not be electorally successful. “TIPRA may be a factor but they cannot be electorally successful,” Sarma told mediapersons while replying to a question.
Asked what the ruling party’s key plank would be, Sarma said, “Our key plank will be development.” We do not have extortion card, donation card or any other card. Progress is the only card we have. And above all, people will vote for BJP considering the performance of the government, the face of Dr. Manik Saha and PM Modi’s dream of transforming North East into a developed region.
Asked whether the BJP would cross the magic number alone, Sarma said, “The BJP will form the government on its own. IPFT’s alliance with the BJP is still there. Intact. But I believe BJP can form government on its own.
Regarding talks with TIPRA, CM Sarma said, “Whatever happens, we cannot compromise with the integrity of the electoral state. The demand to divide the state cannot be accepted or allowed. We are passionate about empowerment and we want regional parties to join hands with us so that we can work harmoniously.
Apart from this, CM Hamanta Biswa Sarma, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha were also present along with Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra while filing nomination papers through a rally. Thousands of party workers joined the rally which started from Rabindra Bhavan and ended at the SDM office in Agartala.