Guwahati: It is Rongali Bihu once again in Assam, and celebrations began right from morning onwards on Monday at the state BJP headquarters in the Basistha area here after early trends showed party candidates leading in most constituencies. Party workers described the BJP’s victory as unprecedented in Assam’s history.With spirited party workers dancing to the beats of ‘nagara’ (a pair of large kettledrums) and ‘bhortall’ (large bell metal cymbals), the atmosphere charged and they applied colours to each other and swayed to the rhythms, amplifying the festive mood.Speaking to the media about the resounding victory, state BJP president Dilip Saikia said, “With the blessings of the people, we will form the govt for the third time. The people of Assam have given us a historic mandate. From the early trends, we were expecting this outcome. The people have wholeheartedly blessed us because of the issues we raised for them under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the results clearly reflected that today.”The BJP’s ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), also shared a similar sentiment. While the celebrations were a part of their victory, AGP leaders, however, term it temporary as they believe that this win will only make them work harder for the welfare of the state’s residents.“Our party worked really hard for this victory. Elections are always a battle for us, and we have been preparing our cadres for the last five years to go to the public, understand their problems and help resolve them. During the Congress regime earlier, people faced various challenges, including difficulties in securing jobs. Now, the BJP govt has opened the doors of opportunity for people to find employment. I believe this victory belongs to the people. This govt is working and will continue to work for them,” said Jeetu Borgohain, youth president of AGP.Meanwhile, the Congress headquarters wore a deserted look, a sign that both the party and its workers are conceding defeat. Except for those handling the party’s media department, there were no other party workers at the office.
