Interview : “A state maimed by infiltrators will be rescued”

After the results of Assam assembly elections are out, people have been flocking to congratulate the young cabinet minister Sarbananda Sonowal. This is the first time BJP has succeeded in paving a path for forming a government anywhere in Northeast states of Bharat. On this occasion, Assistant Editor of Panchjanya Alok Goswami spoke to the future Chief Minister of Assam Shri Sarbanand Sonowal. Excerpts:

• You are going to form the government in Assam. What do you think about this landslide victory?

The people of Assam have played a major role in this victory. During the whole election process and campaign, the way in which people of Assam showed their confidence and faith in us I want to present my gratitude to them. This victory, from the beginning to end, was shaped and supported by people only.

• What will be the role of the people after government’s formation?

There is no doubt that our government will govern with people’s assistance. We will work for the development of all sections and this can be made possible only by including every section of the society in this process.

• You told us that people showed faith in you and your election manifesto. What do you consider as the chief reason behind it?

The NDA government led by Shri Narendra Modi has worked up tirelessly for people in the past two years. The government’s development work, planning and its implementations have worked wonders among the people, and it has led to a positive message. The way people of Assam showed their faith in BJP can be attributed to this one significant reason. The way in which PM Narendra Modi has taken steps forward for good governance is in itself a huge achievement. There is not a shadow of doubt that people all over Bharat, and especially here in Assam have been influenced very positively by this. They have this belief that BJP is the only party which can bring good governance in the state. Good governance will only show the way forward for development in state’s every district, block and village.

• Does it mean that people have shown faith in your leadership?

There is no doubt in this. There was a sense of joy in people which was a result of the excellent work being done in the past two years by Modi government, and this resulted in placing their faith in our leadership. Today every common man in Assam knows that the way they have lagged behind in the past 15 years, if a party can provide good governance in the state, it is BJP alone. Good governance will lead a way to the development, and poor will get his rights and dignity of life.

• Assam is strategically important state. What do you say on the infiltration problem?

When Modi government reached the land settlement with Bangladesh, it was made clear that the border between the two countries will be sealed. It implies that the illegal movement across the border which had continued somehow by now will be stopped. This will preserve the self-respect of a common Assamese. By identifying and driving out the infiltrators, common Assamese will get their rights properly. I can emphatically say that the people of Assam have given us this mandate by considering the following three issues- development, good governance and security.

• What will be the priorities of your government?

Firstly, we have to identify the infiltrators. This is a significant task in a bordered state as Assam. Our people have taken up many problems and crises because of this. This adds to the second point which is the security of the citizens of Bharat. Why should any citizen of our country feel insecure in their homeland only? We will awake a feeling of security in every citizen.

• What will you do to curb the rising unemployment in the state?

It is admissible that state has a large number of youth who ever after being capable are unemployed. Following the Modi government’s “Skill Development” programme, “skill centres” will be established across the state. We will ensure that the skills of the youth are optimally utilised and must add to the development of the people. And this will be inclusive for all the sections of the society. We will think of everyone’s development with everyone’s togetherness. Our government will also work for the security of the borders.

• What is your message to the people of Assam?

I am obliged to the people of our state who have placed their faith in us. I want to inform them that this mandate will lead us, guide us and will encourage us. We will do our functions with all the honesty and loyalty with its support and cooperation.