Interview/ Pradan Baruah, BJP MP
PRADAN BARUAH, CONVENOR of the BJP’s election management committee in Assam, says the Congress-led opposition alliance is banking on an electoral arithmetic that rarely works. “Party workers need to be trained in a certain way to make the alliance a formidable force,” said the Lok Sabha MP. “Having 30 per cent [Muslims] and 20 per cent from another community [is not enough] for an alliance to think there will be resonance on ground.”
Excerpts:
Q/ What will be the key issues anchoring the BJP’s campaign?
A/ Development will be our main issue. Over the past ten years, especially in the last five, Assam has seen significant progress. GDP growth has improved, employment opportunities have increased, and governance has become more transparent. Around 1.56 lakh jobs have been given without controversy.
Q/ Illegal immigration from Bangladesh remains a sensitive issue. Is this also linked to protecting Assamese culture and identity?
A/ Yes, absolutely. Protecting Assamese culture, land and identity is very important. We have taken firm action against illegal encroachments. In areas like Nagaon and Barpeta, land linked to cultural and religious heritage, including the birthplace associated with Srimanta Sankardeva, had been encroached upon. Those encroachments were removed. Nearly two lakh acres have been reclaimed.
Q/ There are reports of unease among Bodo parties like Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). How is the BJP managing coalition dynamics?
A/ We are running the government in Bodoland with BPF; UPPL is also part of the political alliance…. Issues arise from time to time, but we are in constant dialogue with both the parties and are confident of resolving them.
Q/ The Congress claims a united opposition alliance can defeat the BJP.
A/ Alliances on paper do not automatically convert to votes. Vote shares do not simply add up. Ground realities are different; people make independent choices. Such alliances rarely work the way they are projected. One needs to train workers in a certain way to make the alliance work.
Q/ There is speculation about lack of coordination between the chief minister and the state BJP leadership. Does this affect the party?
A/ No. The BJP functions through a structured system guided by the national leadership. When something is decided at the national level, it lands with people in the state. Decisions are then taken collectively and implemented at all levels.
Q/ There is churn among tea garden workers in Upper Assam. Could unmet demands affect support for the BJP?
A/ Tea garden workers are happy now. Earlier, many lacked permanent addresses. The government has provided land rights, roads, drinking water, schools, housing and socioeconomic schemes. Development has reached every garden. Demands will always exist, but that does not mean dissatisfaction.
Q/ What about the demand from six communities for granting scheduled tribe status?
A/ This is a constitutional process, not a political one. Recommendations were passed in the assembly and sent to the government of India. The BJP government is taking this issue forward sincerely, but such processes take time.
Q/ Is illegal immigration still a core concern for Assam’s voters?
A/ Yes, it remains a major concern as Assam is a border state, and everyone is affected. Border fencing is underway, though it is not yet complete, particularly along the Bengal side. There are still vulnerable points where infiltration happens.